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Writer's pictureBrittany Kiertzner

Celebrating Artistry: Brittany Kiertzner Joins California Fibers

Brittany Kiertzner Joins California Fibers during the 2024 Jurying Session



California Fibers, founded in 1970, stands as a beacon for contemporary Southern California fiber artists. With a rich history spanning over five decades, this esteemed organization has nurtured the growth and professional advancement of artists within the realm of fiber art. Their commitment to fostering creativity, coupled with a dedication to superb craftsmanship, has placed them at the forefront of the fiber art movement.


Recently, California Fibers welcomed Brittany Kiertzner as its newest member for 2024, as a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to fiber/textile arts. As an organization that supports artistic expression in various forms including weaving, basketry, sculpture, quilting, embroidery, felting, surface design, knitting, crochet, wearables, and mixed media, Brittany's diverse skill set aligns seamlessly with the group's ethos.


The imagination and skill demonstrated by the members of California Fibers consistently position them in the highest echelon within their fields. Their extensive exhibition history both in the USA and abroad speaks volumes about the caliber of their work. Many members of the organization are not only well-represented in museums and private collections but also recipients of prestigious awards from around the world.


The addition of Brittany Kiertzner to California Fibers adds yet another layer of depth to the organization's already impressive roster. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional fiber art techniques and a keen eye for innovation, Brittany embodies the spirit of exploration and experimentation that defines California Fibers.


One of the hallmarks of California Fibers is its commitment to education and outreach. Through their website and blog, the organization aims to share insights into past, current, and archived exhibits, providing a platform for dialogue and exchange within the fiber art community. Whether you're a collector, curator, gallery owner, museum director, artist, or enthusiast, California Fibers invites you to join them on their journey of discovery and appreciation for contemporary fiber art practices.



The organization recently had an exhibition at Craft in America, Los Angeles. Influences/ Influencers description "California has driven the fiber arts since the mid 20th Century. Countless schools, college programs, workshops, guilds, and artist collectives have led experimentation and development of this artistic medium. The desire to formulate a language for sculpture and expression through fiber has been a core driving force. The artists in this exhibition are part of a historic organization that has been at the forefront of contemporary fiber art in Southern California, across the state, and far beyond. The work in this exhibition represents some of the vast influences that are shaping fiber art today. It is simultaneously a celebration of how fiber has become a beam of influence on the broader contemporary art world in recent years.


Established in 1970, California Fibers started in San Diego as a work study group for the professional advancement of member artists. These years were an exuberant time when internationally, fiber artists were moving beyond historic practices into new realms of dimensionality, scale, and volume. Their unprecedented work embodied a vitality to move into the present and future through an understanding of traditional material and process. Female artists were lead voices in pursuit of this craft. They formed an entirely new field for contemporary art.

Echoing the principles of their medium, California Fibers was, and is, an intermeshed network of artists. They work in a range of fiber disciplines and techniques including weaving, quilting, embroidery, and basketry, which keeps their creative conversation expansive and diverse. This connectedness among artists and the collective spirit, rare among other parts of the art world, has helped push the medium forward. The organization is one of the longest running artist groups in the country. We are pleased to present this exhibition that showcases the breadth of their influential and innovative work." Exhibitors included: Sandy Abrams • Olivia Batchelder • Charlotte Bird • Ashley V. Blalock • Carrie Burckle • Marilyn Mckenzie Chaffee • Ben Cuevas • Doshi • Polly Jacobs Giacchina • Lydia Tjioe Hall • Susan Henry • Annette Heully • Anifaye Korngute • Kathy Nida • Liz Oliver • Marty O • Michael F. Rohde • Aneesa Shami Zizzo • Rebecca Smith • Cameron Taylor-Brown • Elise Vazelakis • Debra Weiss • Peggy Wiedemann



As the group enters 2024, Brittany Kiertzner embarks on this new chapter as a member of California Fibers, she brings with her a fresh perspective and a wealth of talent. Her presence within the organization serves as a reminder of the boundless possibilities inherent in the world of fiber art. Together, California Fibers and its members continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression, inspiring audiences near and far.

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Ahmad Shariff
Ahmad Shariff
Mar 10

This Amazing Brittany, Congratulations

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