PRESS PRESENTS
GAME NIGHT
ARTISTS
Current Artist: Meagan Wolgast aka Sketchy Stitch
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 11th; 6-8PM
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My introduction to cross stitch was in 2017 when I thrifted a book entitled “Subversive Cross Stitch”. The contrast of a traditional form of art combined with distinctly non-traditional text and design proved irresistible. By the following year, I was already creating my own patterns with cross stitch design software. Making art by hand has helped me learn more about who I am and has been a wonderful outlet for me to discover and express my individual voice. My main goal with my art is to empower, motivate, and amuse.
I find that having physical representations of my feminist values have provided immense personal motivation to take up space, reinforce my boundaries, and always work to become a better ally. I tend to lean heavily on humor and sarcasm, while also striving to create art that is thoughtfully made and beautiful to look at. I often find inspiration through music, and have created many designs that feature some of my favorite song lyrics.
Cross stitch portraits are my absolute favorite type of stitch work, and are the most personally gratifying to complete. They are an homage to some of my biggest musical influences: Santigold, Karen O, and Shara Nova (aka My Brightest Diamond). Portrait patterns are created by first importing a photo to design software. I then choose overall dimensions, fabric type and number of colors, resulting in a completely unique design. It’s a challenge each time to choose how much detail to include without making the resulting pattern next to impossible to follow.
My portraits consist of 40-50 different colors of embroidery thread and have either 14 or 16 stitches per inch. They take a tremendous amount of time and focus to create. I feel that eventually I will be pulled towards solely creating portraits and detail-heavy pieces because though the work can seem endless at times, it teaches me to appreciate the small details that make the world beautiful and to be mindful in all things.
-Meagan Wolgast aka Sketchy Stitch
Instagram: @sketchy_stitch
Etsy: Sketchy Stitch
If you are an artist looking for wall space to share your work with the community, consider Press Coffee! Keep in mind we are a coffee shop first, but when 62% of Americans drink coffee every day, our space exposes your work to a wide range of people. A show typically lasts five weeks with an evening set aside for a reception, catered by us with coffee and treats, to allow a closer look and conversation.
If you are interested in partnering with us artistically, please fill out this form to receive more information.
Past Artists
From July of 2018 until the COVID-19 takeover of 2020, we opened our Coralville location to a range of local artists with mediums such as drawing, painting, photography, quilting, metalwork, and more. Learn more about each of our past artists below.
Yuchen Liu & Family – Ink Drawings
Vera Renguelova – Encaustic
Shelly Berkowitz – Painting/Graphic Design
Karla Janette – Photography
Jordan Jasa – 35mm Film Photography & Poloroid
Nicki Maurus – Jewelry
Patti Zwick – Quilting
Candice Broersma – Illustration/Scratchboard
Erin McCain – Illustration
Rip Russell – Paint Pouring
Connie Sherman – Paper Marbling
Paula Grady – Painting
Danforth Johnson – Photography
Ford Studio – Photography/Pyrography/Drawing
Patti Zwick – Quilting
Ariane Parkes-Perret – Printmaking
Lori Fowler – Encaustic Painting
Cara Delaney – Quilting
Lexys Sillin – Painting
Julia Wolfe – Painting/Illustration
Nancy Lincoln – Painting
Cheryl Hetherington – Fluid Acrylics
Tana Blazek – Painting
Jenny Gringer – Lincocut
Bekah Ash – Painting
At our old location:
Angela Otts – Painting & Illustration
Nicki Maurus – Jewelry
Bobbie Gravitt – Photography
Rachel Elisabeth Brecht – Painting
Lauren Schuchard – Drawings
Don Hetzel – Painting
Jen Madigan – Photography
Cara Briggs Farmer – Metalworks
Justin Tedford – Photography
Jezza Rose Studios – Oil Painting
Patti Zwick – Quilting
Kacie Eckermann – Photography
Howard Hinton Jr. – Photography
Stephanie Johnson – Photography
Stacie Woodside – Photography
Diana Brayton – Alcohol Ink
Danforth Johnson – Photography
Julia Wolfe – Painting
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