Mare Island Art Studios to Unveil Two New Exhibits

Fiber Expressions Group and mixed media artist Lori Bywater Lautze to showcase works this month

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:03pm

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A bold, abstract composition of stark, jagged geometric shapes and heavy black silhouettes in vibrant red and white, conceptually representing the diverse artworks featured in the Mare Island Art Studios exhibits.The Mare Island Art Studios' spring exhibits celebrate the Bay Area's artistic community through a diverse array of quilts, mixed media assemblages, and upcycled found objects.Vallejo Today

The Fiber Expressions Group will present its fifth annual exhibit at the Tim Rose Gallery at Mare Island Art Studios, featuring over a dozen quilts inspired by the Bay Area's natural landscapes and naval history. In the small gallery, mixed media artist Lori Bywater Lautze will debut her first show at the studios, showcasing 19 assemblage pieces created from found objects and personal mementos.

Why it matters

The exhibits at Mare Island Art Studios highlight the vibrant arts community in the Vallejo area, showcasing both traditional fiber arts and innovative mixed media work that draw inspiration from the region's unique natural and cultural heritage. The shows provide an opportunity for local artists to share their creative visions with the public and connect with fellow art enthusiasts.

The details

The Fiber Expressions Group's exhibit, titled 'Honoring Our Bay Area Heritage,' will feature 17 artists and over a dozen quilts of varying sizes. The group, which has held shows at the studios since 2021, aims to celebrate the Bay Area's natural landscapes and naval history through their textile work. Some pieces, like Sally Schoemann's 'Mothball Fleet,' pay direct tribute to the region's maritime legacy. The exhibit will also include two 'slice quilts,' where a single image is divided into horizontal or vertical strips and unified by a common element. In the small gallery, mixed media artist Lori Bywater Lautze will present her first show at Mare Island Art Studios, titled 'Beyond Time.' The 19-piece exhibit features assemblage works created from found objects and personal mementos that Lautze and her husband have collected over the years. Lautze's process is described as 'naturally organic' and 'spur of the moment,' with pieces like 'The Ministry of Mayhem' and 'Shoofly Pie #3' incorporating unexpected elements like owl pellet bones and snake skin.

  • The Fiber Expressions Group exhibit and Lori Bywater Lautze's 'Beyond Time' show will open this Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The exhibits will be open to the public on weekends throughout the month of April, from noon to 4 p.m.

The players

Fiber Expressions Group

A group of fiber enthusiasts who have held an annual exhibit at Mare Island Art Studios since 2021, showcasing quilts and textile works inspired by the Bay Area's natural landscapes and naval history.

Lori Bywater Lautze

A mixed media artist presenting her first exhibit, 'Beyond Time,' at Mare Island Art Studios. Lautze creates assemblage pieces from found objects and personal mementos collected by her and her husband.

Orna Pascal

A resident artist at Mare Island Studios and member of the Fiber Expressions Group, who discussed the group's decision to move their annual show to the spring season.

Susan Lane

A textile artist and member of the Fiber Expressions Group who designed a quilt depicting the iconic Lombard Street in San Francisco.

JoAnne Lincoln

A member of the Fiber Expressions Group who will exhibit a quilt featuring the California quail at Abbotts Lagoon in Point Reyes.

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What they’re saying

“We had originally coordinated our shows with the Flyway Festival in February, but it was freezing cold. So now we have it in the spring.”

— Orna Pascal, resident artist at Mare Island Studios

“We're fiber enthusiasts. We love our fabric and everything about it, whether it's hand sewing or machine sewing. We're an open group and inviting anyone who is a kindred spirit.”

— Orna Pascal, resident artist at Mare Island Studios

“I wanted to really capture the character of the neighborhood and include existing buildings that people would recognize.”

— Susan Lane, textile artist and member of the Fiber Expressions Group

“I'm putting it up because I love the story of the unexpected relationship between coyotes and quails. (Coyotes) are sort of like their allies because they go after other predators that go after quails.”

— JoAnne Lincoln, member of the Fiber Expressions Group

“Every day is a treasure hunt.”

— Lori Bywater Lautze

What’s next

The exhibits at Mare Island Art Studios will be open to the public on weekends throughout the month of April, from noon to 4 p.m. An opening reception for both shows will be held this Saturday, April 5, from 2 to 5 p.m.

The takeaway

The upcoming exhibits at Mare Island Art Studios showcase the diverse artistic talents and creative visions within the Vallejo community. The Fiber Expressions Group's textile works celebrate the region's natural and cultural heritage, while Lori Bywater Lautze's mixed media assemblages reflect a unique, personal approach to found object art. These shows provide an opportunity for local art enthusiasts to discover new perspectives and appreciate the vibrant arts scene in this historic Bay Area city.