ARTHOUSE is proud to present the art exhibition “The Painted Stitch” at ARTHOUSE Gallery on historic R Street in Sacramento, May 8 — June 2, 2025.

Please join us as we feature Elisa Reutinger’s work.  The opening reception is Saturday May 10 from 5 pm to 8 pm.  Elisa will discuss her art and process at 6 pm.

“The Painted Stitch” features both colorful, complex paintings honoring the tools and materials used in the creation of fiber art and the vibrant fiber art, itself.

Years ago, Elisa was shy to tell anyone how much she enjoyed knitting, crocheting and embroidery. She often blamed the cold Chicago winters of her upbringing for sparking an interest in keeping her hands busy during idle time indoors. Today she recognizes that these busy hands are connected to a long history of women’s work, previously excluded from the canons of art history but rightfully moving into the spotlight. For the past ten years she has been proud to say she is both a painter AND a fiber artist. This exhibition pays homage to her tools and materials, most of which are collected from flea markets and second hand shops. She is drawn to the things that contain a sense of a life lived before she encounters them – half finished quilts, well-worn knitting needles, disorganized button collections – in other words a past. Her enthusiasm for these encounters is evident in the vibrant, joyful colors and playful patterns she employs with her paintbrush and sewing machine. Elisa enjoys teaching and inspiring others, constantly challenging herself to create unique art projects for her students of all ages. Some even in their 90’s. Monthly embroidery classes are held at Rumpelstiltskin, and ongoing classes continue with private clients and at senior communities (Oakmont and Mercy McMahon).  Elisa is a lifelong learner who continues her arts education at Sac City College. Her work has been shown and sold at: The Davis Arts Center, Jimmy’s Barber Garage, Scout Living, The Barn Gallery, Dunnigan Realtors, Studios Eleven Art Gallery, and the Rockridge Cafe. One of her paintings is part of the permanent collection at the American River College.

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