In-Person Exhibit: Jennifer Ewing – An Ocean of Lace

An Ocean of Lace is a flowing installation that celebrates the enduring beauty of lace—especially the pieces that time has gently transformed. Created in alignment with our commitment to upcycling and thoughtful preservation, this commissioned work brings new life to fragments and snippets from once-larger textiles.

While a small number of intact hankies, doilies, and trims anchor the composition, more than 90% of the work is composed of true fragments—pieces that came to us already separated from their original forms. No lace was destroyed in the making of this exhibit. Instead, Oceans of Lace honors the artistry of the past by re-imagining these delicate remnants as a unified, flowing tribute to craftsmanship, sustainability, and renewal. Discover how even the smallest fragment can become part of something breathtakingly whole.

Please see the video to learn how local artist Jennifer Ewing embraced this new medium in her work and brought An Ocean of Lace to life.

You may view many of Jennifer’s previous installations on her website: https://www.jenniferewing.com/

Installation – Full View

Installation – Right Side Close Up

Installation – Left Side Close Up

Jennifer Discusses “An Ocean of Lace”.
Click the play arrow to start. Click the top right corner to enlarge.

“Lace is new to me as an art material to use in my work. I am fascinated and inspired by all the handwork and dedication to the design and making of lace, to the application of lace to a great variety of uses and the emotional resonance that lace carries with it.  When I was first asked to create installation art with lace by The Lace Museum, I did not have a firm idea of what that might look like.

“With the lace that I was gifted, my challenge was to integrate those pieces into a meaningful presentation to build curiosity and new ways for a viewer to imagine and engage with lace. This project was exciting for me as an offshoot to my Venice Project and my long time Spirit Boat body of work. My work first caught the eye of The lace Museum because I had started using a Gondola of Lace in my own art. For me, a combination of a gondola as a spirit vessel with delicate lace becomes a potent carrier of a new message in the world.  If a gondola was made of lace, it would not be real and could transcend the norm and elevate both the gondola and lace to new potential. 

“I enjoyed introducing this symbol to Venetians, to art curators and in my latest exhibits. As an installation artist, this project is one I feel is beautiful and timely. The lace is reinvented to expand its beauty and design qualities. I feel it is a good time to show a new face of lace in the world to build respect and a vibrant future for this delicate art form.