Fair Lawn—Artwork celebrating Jewish ritual life by Fair Lawn resident Adrienne Kuperberg is on view through Oct. 28 in the exhibit “ Jewish Ritual Art: The Fabric of Our Lives” at the Maurice M. Pine Public Library’s Pine Gallery.
Kuperberg, an artist who has studied textile design and explores fabric art techniques including quilting embroidery and applique, creates artworks that illustrate the rituals and practices of the Jewish life cycle.
“Rituals give our lives focus and meaning,” Kuperberg said, noting Jewish ritual life marks the passage of time through observations, celebrations, prayers and food. “ They give us the opportunity to rise above the mundane and connect with the sacred.”
Among Kuperberg’s designed and crafted objects on exhibit are pieces unique to the circumcision ritual and bar mitzvahs, marriage pieces including a chuppah—marriage canopy—and a remembrance quilt marking the death of a loved one.
An opening reception will be held Sunday, Sept. 11, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Pine Gallery at Maurice M. Pine Public Library. At the opening, Kuperberg will lecture at 3 p.m. on her technique, how she learned her craft, the importance of ritual objects and how they connect Jewish family members with one another and with the Creator.
A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and Brooklyn College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Judaic studies, Kuperberg is active in the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework and the Embroidery Guild of America. For more than 20 years, she operated the Torah Art Factory she founded that manufactured and distributed Jewish educational materials. She also has worked as a freelance textile designer.
Kuperberg has exhibited her work at the Fairleigh Dickinson University Gallery in Teaneck, the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework in Teaneck, the Waldwick Public Library and the Maurice M. Pine Public Library’s Pine Gallery.
The Pine Gallery hours are Monday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
By JLNJ Staff
