Flat Iron, one of Peekskill’s most popular art galleries,  is the location that Chappaqua artist Susan Schrott’s skillfully crafted textiles will be calling home for the next month. I was anxious to see this show, as I have begun to tire of the traditional oil and canvas installations I have visited lately. 

Wendie Garber, the owner and director of the gallery, led me into the main, solo exhibit room where Schrott’s show, titled “A Celebration of Women in Textiles!” is displayed. The old adage says, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” but when it comes to a million stiches, this exhibit is something you must see in person to really appreciate. 

The walls are covered with quilts of various sizes, each depicting a woman with a hand-drawn face sewn into a colorful scene. I instantly fell in love with the colors of Schrott’s art, and did not hesitate for a second to let my eyes drink up the brightness.

"It’s such a positive show,” said Garber. “Each piece has a woman in it, and they show such joyful poses and activities. They also show how talented [Schrott] is.”

Equally impressive as the pieces as a whole are the individual components. Studying each quilt’s intricate details, I marveled at the mosaic of threads that composed the scenes. The stitching on each work of art morphs from one color to another as the thread takes its shape on the fabric.  Many pieces also have three dimensional accents that bring the scenes to life. Beads are hand-sewn to add fringes in places, while on other quilts the faces are adorned in actual pendants and earrings.

Schrott’s wide spectrum of hand-dyed fabrics highlight the beauty of each image sewn against the quilts' psychedelic backdrops. The pieces of cloth that comprise the characters and shapes vary from dainty pastels to bold solids and eccentric patterns.

There is no doubt in my mind how Schrott came to name the exhibit what she did. Her characters embody a sense of feminism that celebrates womanhood in general. On one of the pieces the words, “Passion, Blessings, Gratitude, & Integrity” are handwritten across the character’s neck.

In addition to honoring females, Schrott features the Star of David in a handful of the quilts, expressing a spiritual sensibility.

“It’s a very therapeutic show,” said Garber. “How can someone walk into this room and not be happy? It’s just so uplifting.”

The instillation, booked an entire year in advance, includes more than 20 pieces of Schrott’s work, produced over eight years. 

A Celebration of Women in Textiles will be on display at the Flat Iron Gallery until July 3. Please note that the gallery will be closed June 24–26. For gallery hours or for more information visit the Flat Iron website, or call 914-734-1894.