Lori Nelson
Lori Nelson, a unique fiber artist, has been a member of Arbor Gallery for 23 years.
She uses “threads of imagination,” takes a vision and interprets it in cloth. She uses a variety of techniques such as collage, mixed media, paint, applique’ and other embellishing options. She has applied fiber design principles in the creation of fabric/collage bowls, watercolor, wearable art and sheer collage behind glass.
“All cultures have some sort of art,” Nelson says. “I believe that ‘art is part of who we are,’ that art, science and religion all came from our inherently and uniquely human need for understanding life and the natural world and our desire to participate in it in a special communion. For me this is fiber art. I feel so fortunate to be able to have such a tactile experience with my medium. There is a sculptural aspect to cloth and stitch which I enjoy along with the visual design.”
Arbor Gallery is a beautiful co-op gallery located inside the Multicultural Art Center (MAC) in downtown Merced, representing a variety of talented local artists.
The artists of the gallery are versed in a large variety of mediums including acrylic paint, alcohol ink, fabric, jewelry, metal, oil paint, photography, pottery, resin, and wood. Displays of artwork, inside the gallery and the hallway, change bimonthly so there is always new art to see.
The gallery is open to the public and admission is free. In March of 2023, Arbor Gallery will hold a gala celebrating their 40th anniversary.
Nelson is also a member of the Gateway Quilters’ Guild that is having an outdoor quilt show in Merced on Oct. 1. “Quilts on Forist Lane” will have quilts on display on Forist Lane beginning at 2887 Forist Lane from 10AM to
4PM. Tickets are $10. Entry also includes a drink and a sweet treat as you enjoy the festivities. There will be about 140 entries, vendors and beautiful gardens.
Nelson became a doctor 44 years ago. When she heard Merced needed doctors, she decided to do her residency at Merced Community Medical Center. She was part of a successful family practice and still works part-time. She raised two sons and resides in Merced.