Split Ends at the Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion is a boldly woven, multi-generational fiber art exhibition that captures current threads in transformation and disruption. The gallery morphs into a space for play; where thread, burlap, yarn, fabric, and unexpected found elements are transmuted into stretched and sculptural narratives that challenge convention. The title Split Ends is both a pun and poetic marker: the splitting of fibers, the fraying of lineage, the stretching of generational threads into surprising new forms. Whether within the frame or outside of it, the show highlights the bonds across Southern California artists in the medium.
From Oxnard to San Diego and Orange County to San Bernardino, the artists and their locations are playfully mismatched as found patterns and prints. The exhibit embraces artwork that challenges conventions of framing, hanging, and even narrative. Several of the artists drawn upon LGBTQIA+ stories: honoring drag queens, underwear brands, and “non-binary codes.” Others fashion creatures from crotchet, delighting in the spiritual, magical, and humorous. And yet, many of the artists look inward to their personal histories, families, and cultural backgrounds. The art of fiber and weaving become connective tissues for different communities. All are welcome to spin thread, tear fabric, and tie history. The splitting of ends opens different paths to follow.
Far too long ago, the Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion hosted the fiber exhibit, I’m a Frayed Knot (2012); curated by Amy Caterina and Andrea Harris. Split Ends serves as an update to the medium. Many more artists could have been shown in this group exhibit - and should. There is no “End” to this delightful artform.
Curated by Dakota Noot, Acting Director, Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion
Artists include:
Beth Abaravich, Fafnir Adamites, Marianna Baker, Ashley Bowman, Diane Briones Williams, Ben Cuevas, José Galván Martínez, Melora Garcia, Denja Harris, Lana Licata Manzo, Aubrey Longley-Cook, Austyn de Lugo-Liston, Curt LeMieux & Marley Van Peebles, Kayla Mattes, Zac Monday, Jynx Prado, Joy Ray, Cindy Rinne, Karen Gibson Roc, Svetlana Shigroff, Angie Stalker, Rose Tsang, Katya Usvitsky.
Dates:
Show runs: Sept. 29 - Nov. 20, 2025
Opening reception: Saturday, Oct. 4, 1 - 3 p.m.
Campus reception: Thursday, Oct. 9, 4 - 7 p.m.
Artist Walkthrough: Sunday, Nov. 16, 2 p.m.
Concurrent exhibition: Juan Gomez: Within the Chaparral
