Kimekomi comes alive

July 11, 2025

By Reader Staff

Celebrate Pend Oreille Arts Council artist of the year Jenni Barry at a free opening reception Friday, July 11, at the POAC Gallery (313 N. Second Ave.). Barry will unveil and answer questions about her new collection of 14 fiber art pieces from 5-7 p.m., and the exhibit will be on display until Wednesday, July 30.

“Sailing” by Jenni Barry. Courtesy image

Barry practices the Japanese technique of Kimekomi, which literally translates to “tuck into a groove.” The artist folds fabric into carved channels in foam to create mosaic-like designs that are often mistaken for quilted or sewn pieces.

“I do not sew,” said Barry. “Each piece of fabric is carefully chosen and meticulously tucked into a foam-core base. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece of art that feels like a warm hug.”

Barry hopes to bring Kimekomi into the fine art world and introduce others to the technique. Her work has been featured in Fiber Art Now and Women Create, and she can often be found volunteering and teaching classes at the POAC Gallery.

“Jenni has been part of POAC since before I started here,” stated POAC Arts Coordinator Claire Christy. “She’s incredibly skilled at capturing likenesses in fabric, especially in her pet portraits. But beyond that, Jenni is kind, gracious and generous with her time. This recognition is long overdue. We’re lucky to have her in our community.”

For more information, visit artinsandpoint.org and jennibarryart.com.