Tapestries create energies of healing

McKenna, from Pendleton, Ore., sewed her first full tapestry in 1971, while pregnant with her first son. She was not entirely sure what she was doing as her only exposure to art was an exhibit of similar tapestries at the University Of Oregon.

She first produced a large 4-foot by 4-foot tapestry dominated by a sun-like orb in yellows and golds. A blue figure dances in the foreground; a daisy and red spiral rope complete the composition.

McKenna's methods have grown more sophisticated over the years -- she now ha a fancy sewing machine -- but all of her tapestries exude the same, fresh, bright look.

To date, she's finished more than 200 tapestries. Each one starts as a collection of materials, bundles she stores in plastic bags for future sewing. When she pulls out a bundle and starts to cut and arrange, it's often surprising how they come together.

McKenna's tapestries have never been just about art. Their main purpose, she said, is to soothe the spirit and awaken intuition.

"My intent was to create tapestries that would hold within them energies of healing, awareness and transformation," she said. "These energies would then be accessible to those who viewed them with their minds and hearts completely open."

For more information on the show or to set up an appointment, call 493-1747.