Fiber & Fire: Three-Artist Exhibition

Alison Altafi is a mixed media fiber artist based in Syracuse, New York, with a nontraditional approach to weaving. Her artistic journey began in her twenties creating wall hangings and traditional tapestries. Over time, she has evolved towards weaving in the round and became drawn to the cyclical nature of this process, finding it deeply cathartic and meditative. Through her work, Altafi aims to create pieces that evoke a sense of magic, otherworldliness, and fantasy-immersive art that offers a space for escape and contemplation.

In 2021, FiberArtNow Magazine featured her work in their “emerging artist showcase,” and since then her weavings have been displayed in galleries and publications across the country. Local exhibitions include a 2023 solo exhibition, Reverie, at the Everson Museum.

ARTIST'S STATEMENT: “In my work I blend a variety of materials—hand-spun and hand dyed yarns, repurposed fabrics, beads, vintage textiles and lace. These elements come together to create woven landscapes that transport viewers to magical, otherworldly realms—spaces where I too can escape into. Inspired by fairytales, nature, and the cosmos, I craft intricate woven worlds that invite both tactile exploration and a sense of wonder.”

Rachel Consolazio is a ceramic artist and watercolor painter based in Upstate NY. A graduate of Syracuse University School of Art, Consolazio is drawn to the interplay of color and pattern. She began her career as a freelance surface pattern designer, creating designs for products ranging from gift bags and apparel to wall coverings. In 2019, she shifted her focus to ceramics, where she found a new medium to express her love for design and texture.

Consolazio’s work has been featured in gallery exhibitions across the country, and she participates in numerous juried art festivals each year. Active in her local arts community, she enjoys connecting with fellow artists and creatives.

You can explore her work online at RachelCPottery.com or follow her on social media @RachelCPottery.

ARTIST'S STATEMENT: “My illustrated ceramic pieces celebrate my love of color, pattern, and the delicate balance between form and surface. This fusion is where I’ve found my true voice as an artist. Each piece is a reflection of my response to something I’ve seen or experienced, a way to capture a fleeting moment and make it last just a little longer."

"Through my work, I aim to convey a sense of presence—both my own and the energy of the moments that inspire me. I pour love and intention into every piece, and I hope the viewer can feel this, connecting with the artwork on a personal level. My pieces are meant to be used and cherished, becoming a part of the everyday lives of those who encounter them. It is my hope that they help people hold on to the beauty of their daily moments, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary."