Artist profile: Flegel shows fabric designs at holiday fest

Jess Flegel, 35, who grew up near Chicago and received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Judson College in Elgin, Ill., is one of more than 100 artists showing and selling their wares at the annual Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts, near Burlington Coat Factory in Meridian Center.

In a change, the festival will be open daily, starting Friday, Nov. 20, but will be closed Thanksgiving and it ends early Dec. 24.

In another change, the festival will feature a happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays with Boundary Bay beer and BelleWood Acres cider.

See Flegel’s art at jessflegelhandmade.com. Here’s more about her:

Question: Why did you move to Bellingham?

Answer: After 23 years in the same town, I was ready for a change of scenery. I had visited Bellingham during college and had some friends here, but no other plans or job or place to live. I arrived in June 2003 and have been here ever since.

Question: What kinds of art do you create?

Answer: These days, my main obsession is quilting and working with fabric. My education and backgrounds in design and photography are big influences on the work that I am making today. I love the process of combining color, pattern and texture in ways that catch people by surprise.

I currently work out of a studio space in the basement at Make.Shift, where I’m able to open my studio and shop to the public every month during the Downtown Art Walk and by appointment.

I am beginning to host regular “open sews” for people to come, take advantage of the space, get help where they need it, and meet other makers. I’m available for commissioned projects, private lessons and project coaching.

I also teach an introduction to modern quilting workshop through Whatcom Community College’s community education program. I love to share my skills and experience to empower people to be creative in ways that they may not have imagined they could be.

Question: Have you ever participated in the Allied Arts Holiday Festival?

Answer: This will be my first time as a part of this festival. I have participated in other local holiday art and craft events, including Make.Shift’s Annual Holiday Make.Sale, and have done well. I’m looking forward to both expanding my exposure and making new connections this winter by getting my work in front of a new audience.

Question: Why do you like living in Bellingham?

Answer: After growing up in the suburban Midwest, I’m thankful for a lively downtown community, plenty of great food and drink to enjoy with friends after a long day at work, and to live and work in a place where my bicycle and my feet can be my primary modes of transportation. I have come to love this city that I call home and the people here like family.

The location of Judson College was corrected Nov. 20, 2015.

This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Artist profile: Flegel shows fabric designs at holiday fest."