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Artists show off work today in East Moline

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By Mary Louise Speer | Friday, July 11, 2008 |

Kara Fedje, of Bettendorf, prepares an exhibit of her art at Painted Monkey Tattoo in downtown East Moline that will be part of ArtWalk from 5 to 8 p.m. today. (Jeff Cook/QUAD-CITY TIMES) Buy this Photo

East Moline is showing its artistic flair today during the East Moline ArtWalk through the downtown area.

The event illuminates the talents of 30 artists in venues from jewelry and painting to print making and tattoo illustrations.

“I’m a fiber artist and my work is more about texture and color,” Kara Fedje said about her tapestries. “Tapestries are just pictures with yarn and I’ve gotten into spinning dyeing with natural dyes, like marigolds.”

Fedje studied art at Augustana College and attended textile school to learn about fabrics. She works part-time as a teacher and in retail. Her work is on display at the Painted Monkey Tattoo, 910 15th Ave., and the six artworks represent a half year’s work.

“This is actually the first time I framed them and I think it makes them look more professional,” she said.

In one of her tapestries, a ribbon of fuzzy orange “eye lashes” flows like a waterfall with banks of colorful shapes that resemble rock and flowers on either side.

“I like abstract because you can interpret it in whatever way you want,” Fedje said.

Fedje and Sam McFarland, owner of the Painted Monkey, met while learning about the intricacies of dyeing with Kool-Aid.

McFarland admits her parents had gently urged her to consider a career with higher earning potential. However they’ve been very supportive and helpful as she opened a tattoo shop with an upscale feel. The Painted Monkey reflects her commitment toward creating original painted artworks whether on the human form or canvas.

“I tried to make a shop for everybody where they could be comfortable,” she said.

She worked as a graphic artist before getting into tattoos. A good friend asked her to design a back piece for him and he encouraged her to learn how to tattoo.

McFarland practiced on grapefruit and oranges before daring to try her hand on human beings.

“This is very personable and one-on-one. When you give someone a tattoo, you chat about their kids and their job. It’s more personable than designing Web sites,” she said.

McFarland will work on a back piece tattoo that features the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse during the first half of ArtWalk.

“I’m hoping people won’t be too shy to come in the back and watch me,” she said.

The Committee to Revitalize Downtown East Moline is hosting ArtWalk and the free event runs 5 to 8 p.m., today, along 15th Avenue in downtown East Moline. The public is invited to stop in the shops and observe artists at work.

The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2450 or newsroom@qctimes.com.