Rise Above

BY KACIE RENFRO

Fiber artist Vallorie Henderson, a native of Eastern Kentucky, draws inspiration for her art from the vastness of the land and culture of the region. While it’s her Kentucky roots that first immersed her in the arts of quilting, weaving, and felting — and ultimately molded her into the creator she is today — it’s her Cherokee heritage that connects her to the pervasive essence of nature woven throughout all her work.

Henderson was raised in Somerset and then attended Berea College. There, the authenticity and uniqueness of her craft began to take root. It was also during those college years while attending Berea College, in the late 70's that Henderson first volunteered with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), helping with flood recovery efforts.

Because of her long history with CAP, Henderson was honored when they selected her proposal for a commemorative piece to be displayed in our Lexington office as a tribute to the strength and resilience of the communities CAP serves.

“She brings her skills as an accomplished quilter and fabric artist along with her deep and profound commitment to celebrating and lifting up the culture of Appalachia,” said CAP Foundations Officer Dennis Jacobs, who recommended Henderson for this special project.

The piece she is creating for CAP is titled Rise Above, and Henderson drew her inspiration from the resiliency of the people who endured the most recent floods in Eastern Kentucky. One-third of the fibers she has thoughtfully chosen to create the piece come from materials gathered from people impacted by the flood. The next third will be made utilizing her unique handdyed and felted wool and silk, and the final third will be made from new materials.

Rise Above depicts a mountain ridge rising out of water. The water is not clean, as it represents the floodwaters, but the sun continues to shine directly on the mountain top.

Being from a rural Kentucky background lends itself to Henderson’s creative philosophy of making something out of what you have — something she grew up witnessing every day.

Henderson utilizes a Japanese process of felting silk and wool together in her work and hopes to travel to Japan to study her craft through their cultural lens.

Jacobs added, “Her unique artistry guarantees that the piece she is crafting will truly reflect the challenges and achievements of Christian Appalachian Project’s community of care.”