Erika Torri: The Continuous Thread

 by Patricia Frischer

Erika Torri resplendent in Zandra Rhodes dress in a pose we all know and love.

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents Erika Torri:  The Continuous Thread from June 11 to July 16 with an opening celebration June 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 which is free.  On display will be approximately 40 out of 1,400 of Erika’s textile pieces created in the late 1970s and 80s, along with a selection of artists’ books, portraits, publications and ephemera that represent Erika’s tenure at the library including some works from her private collection.  Erika Torri became Executive Director of the Athenaeum in 1989 and is retiring this year. We thank her for 33 years of service to the arts community. She will continue to build the world renowned artist book collection for the Athenaeum. 

The following is just a small sampling of the miniature delights on display. The first set is inspired by the family portrait. Most of the others are landscapes or still lives, but they are abstracted. At first one wonders if  this out of necessity or on purpose. But  like Erika herself, each tiny stitch is well thought out and carefully placed. Even 1400 of these beauties would fit into a couple of boxes, conserving materials and space at a time when we have learned that bigger is not always better. 

Here are a few of the arts works from Erika Torri's own collection. 

Ed Ruscha

Ernest Silva

This is the collection of SD Art Prize Artists that have shown at the Athenaeum over the past years. Not only did Erika Torri arrange for the shows to take place at the Athenaeum, she is still a member of the SD Art Prize Committee. The SD Art Prize is produced by San Diego Visual Arts Network. We are eternally grateful for her support.