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Founded in 1977 as a monthly gathering of six friends, The Textile Study Group of New York’s 2012 membership includes hundreds of basketmakers, crocheters, dyers, embroiderers, felters, knitters, knotters, lacemakers, papermakers, quilters, sculptors, spinners and weavers. “Crossing Lines: The Many Faces of Fiber” celebrates the group’s 35th anniversary by displaying over 50 works by TSGNY members which demonstrate the power and versatility of fiber art. A quilted collage of street signs, abstract art composed of sewing-machine stitches and towering masks made of threads are among the featured works. Curated by Rebecca A.T. Stevens, author and Consulting Curator of Contemporary Textiles at the Textile Museum in Washington, DC, the wildly diverse collection includes works both large and small, two- and three-dimensional, traditional and experimental.
Free. Through Feb. 19. Tues.-Sun., 12-4pm, at World Financial Center Courtyard Gallery. For more info, call 212-945-0505 or visit artsworldfinancialcenter.com.
WEST VILLAGE CHORALE WINTER CONCERT
The celebration of West Village Chorale 40th season continues, with a winter concert of heavenly sounds on earth. “The Choir Supernal” takes listener on a musical journey that’s equal parts sacred and secular. The first half is comprised of a cappella singing, with the second half showcasing the virtuosic playing of the Chorale’s longtime collaborator, pianist Elena Belli. Music Director Michael Conley conducts.
Selections include: “Dreamers” by Norman Dello Joio (1913-2008), “Fern Hill” by John Corigliano (b. 1938), “Song for Athene” by John Tavener (b. 1944), “I Am in Need of Music” by David L. Brunner (b. 1953) and “Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind” by Stephen Chatman (b. 1950). In keeping with tradition, all of the composers featured worked in the 20th century — and nearly all (with the exception of one great Dane) are American or British. As for bucking tradition, this season marks their second at Judson Memorial Church (after nearly 40 years at the Church of St. Luke in the Fields).
Sun., Jan. 22, 4pm at Judson Memorial Church (55 Washington Square South, at Thompson St.). For tickets ($25, $20 for 62+, $20 for students), call 212-517-1776 or visit westvillagechorale.org.
FLUX THEATRE ENSEMBLE presents “MENDERS”
Taking inspiration from (and liberties with) the Robert Frost poem “Mending Wall,” Flux Theatre Ensemble’s world premiere of Erin Browne’s “Menders” is concerned with the things we try to keep at bay — and the lengths to which we’ll go to for a sense of security. As new recruits Corey and Aimes mend the wall that keeps their city safe from an unnamed, unseen threat, they begin to question their teacher Drew’s ominous tales of the big, bad outside world.
Jan. 19-Feb. 11, at The Gym at Judson (243 Thompson St., at Washington Square South). Jan. 19, 20, 21 at 8pm; Jan. 22 & 24 at 7pm, Jan. 27 & 28 at 8pm, Feb. 1, 2, 3, 4 at 8pm; Feb. 5 at 3pm; Feb. 7 at 7pm; Feb. 9, 10, 11 at 8pm. For tickets ($18, $15 for students), call 866-811-4111 or visit fluxtheatre.org.
LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
The International Tai Chi Institute’s action-packed, three-hour variety show celebrates the Year of the Dragon (which marks the beginning of the 12-year cycle of the Chinese horoscope). Over two dozen acts are scheduled — including dancers, acrobats, musicians and demonstrations by Tai Chi Chuan and martial artists.
Sat., Jan. 21, from 1-5pm. At Pace University’s Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts (3 Spruce St., near City Hall). Tickets are $15 (no credit card payments accepted). To make a phone reservation, call 212-966-8830. Reserved tickets will be available at the box office on the day of the performance, but must be picked up by 12:45 p.m. The box office will open at 12 noon.
