Marie Watt

The U.S. Embassy is bringing renowned artist Marie Watt to Cyprus to inaugurate the art collection at the residence of U.S. Ambassador John Koenig, including Ms. Watt's 2007 work Blanket Series: Continuum (Book I/Book III). Ms. Watt will deliver two lectures on her work and inspiration on Friday, September 27 and a workshop/sewing circle on Saturday, September 28 (see details below).

Working with the curators of the Department of State's "Art in the Embassy" program, Ambassador Koenig and his wife, Natalie, sought to "find pieces that appealed to our own eclectic tastes, and also addressed the theme 'layers of history, layers of meaning'," believing this theme would guide them and their guests to a better understanding of Cyprus through the enjoyment of art.

"On this island, with its long and multi-layered history, events and even objects project meaning based on a discourse across time, between individuals and groups within a complex web of power relations. We strive to understand them today in order to understand ourselves," explained Ambassador Koenig in the foreword to the catalog of works displayed in his residence.

Marie Watt describes herself as "half cowboy, half Indian" and brings that duality to her art. She incorporates everyday objects –stones, cornhusks, blankets and pillows – into her works that are universal to human experience and noncommercial in character.

The Saturday sewing circle workshop is open to the public. By taking part in the workshop, one can leave their mark on an exciting new piece of art. No sewing experience is necessary and participants can rotate in and out. Ms. Watt believes a person's stitch is as unique as their thumbprint or signature. During the course of this workshop the threads will eventually meet and intersect creating a metaphor for how we are all related and connected.

A buffet will be provided.

Both lectures and the workshop are open to the public.