Libby Ruth Campbell

Quincy, IL
needleandtomefs.com
needleandtomefs@gmail.com
Instagram & Facebook: @needleandtome

 

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Artist Statement

Libby Ruth Campbell is a fiber artist whose weaving practice investigates imperfection and the dynamic tension between handmade and mechanized processes. She hand-dyes commercially spun yarn with acid dyes and spins highly textured yarns by hand, incorporating them into woven compositions that foreground surface, structure, and irregularity. Campbell works primarily on a Harrisville 4-shaft loom and a Toika Eeva loom, while also using a 15-inch rigid heddle loom to experiment with texture and structural variation. Her practice embraces variation, slippage, and tactile complexity as a counterpoint to industrial precision, inviting viewers to consider the expressive and conceptual potential of material irregularity.

 

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Education

M.A., Music
University of Iowa

B.A., English Literature, Music
Illinois Wesleyan University

 

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Exhibition Record

Juried Exhibitions

2026
GALEX 59
Galesburg Community Arts Center, Galesburg, IL

2025
Mary S. Oakley and Lee Lindsay Area Artists Showcase
Quincy Art Center, Quincy, IL

2024
Mary S. Oakley and Lee Lindsay Area Artists Showcase
Quincy Art Center, Quincy, IL

2023
Mary S. Oakley and Lee Lindsay Area Artists Showcase
Quincy Art Center, Quincy, IL

 

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Non-Juried Exhibitions

2025
Originale
Hannibal Arts Council, Hannibal, MO

2024
Originale
Hannibal Arts Council, Hannibal, MO

2024
Our Natural Community in Art
Quincy Art Center, Quincy, IL

2024
Connections: An Open-Call Exhibit
Quincy Art Center, Quincy, IL

 

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Awards and Honors

2024
Best of Show, Non-Professional Division
Originale, Hannibal Arts Council, Hannibal, MO
Awarded for The Gifts of Imperfection

2024
Merit Award
Mary S. Oakley and Lee Lindsay Area Artists Showcase
Quincy Art Center, Quincy, IL
Awarded for Anemoia

2023
Merit Award
Mary S. Oakley and Lee Lindsay Area Artists Showcase
Quincy Art Center, Quincy, IL
Awarded for Cocoons Runner #1

 

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Professional Activity

Markets and Festivals

2024
Midsummer Arts Faire, Quincy, IL
Quincy Makers Market, Quincy, IL

2023
Western Illinois Fiber Arts Festival, Macomb, IL
Quincy Makers Market, Quincy, IL
Christkindl Market, Quincy, IL
Noel at the Nursery Market, Quincy, IL

 

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Professional Affiliations

Member, Quincy-Area Fiber Guild, Quincy, IL

Member, Alliance Art Gallery, Hannibal, MO

 

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Technical Practice

Primary Media:
Handwoven textiles incorporating handspun and hand-dyed yarn

Processes:
Acid dyeing of commercially spun yarn
Hand spinning of textured yarn
Multi-shaft weaving
Rigid heddle weaving

Equipment:
Harrisville 4-shaft floor loom
Toika Eeva floor loom
Schacht 15-inch rigid heddle loom
Schacht Ladybug spinning wheel