Janice Bailor
MCALISTERVILLE — Janice Bailor certainly doesn’t consider herself a modern-day Leonardo da Vinci, but the central Pennsylvania quilt and textile artist would love to leave a similar lasting impression with her art.
An artist, inventor and innovator, Da Vinci’s work has inspired WITF to create a series of 12 free art workshops led by local artists, including Bailor.
Bailor will be leading a workshop about fiber art and sewing at the McAlisterville Senior Center, 158 Lions Den Drive, McAlisterville, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. The workshops are geared for age 18 and up.
These hands-on workshops hope to inspire an appreciation for the arts in the community and encourage exploration of themes and artistic techniques used by or inspired by da Vinci.
According to her website, www.laruedefleurs.com, Bailor has tried to inspire others by creating handmade, nature inspired quilts, original patterns and soft goods since 2012. As a creative entrepreneur, she is the owner artisan behind her La Rue de Fleurs label.
“I love working with people so they can enhance comfort and inspiration in their home with a cozy piece of fiber art; learn self-expression through quilting techniques while creating a personal statement in fiber; and experience a unique classroom educational opportunity filled with simplified skills, joy and creativity,” Bailor stated on her website.
The workshops will culminate in a free community exhibit and preview screening of “Leonardo da Vinci,” a film by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon.
In addition to fabricating each handmade product, Bailor also writes and maintains a blog, YouTube channel and social media aiming to both promote her work process, as well as inspire and inform her audience.
Joining the Perry County Council on the Arts as their drop-in art Coordinator in 2016, she develops a monthly project roster focused on engaging families in creative activities they can do together using basic art supplies and household materials.
When she isn’t creating for work, you can find her creating for pleasure in her home studio, dabbling in clothing construction, embroidery, mixed media and paper arts.