Carbondale, Illinois: The Sharp Museum at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale is celebrating sustainability through art with a new textile exhibition by artist Dawn Murtaugh, whose handcrafted works transform discarded fabrics into striking tapestries inspired by nature and the cosmos.
The exhibition, which opened on June 9, features 18 textile artworks displayed in the Hall of Art at South Hall and runs through August 28. Visitors also had the opportunity to attend an artist talk and reception celebrating Murtaugh’s creative journey and environmental message.
Turning Textile Waste into Art
Murtaugh’s exhibition reflects a lifelong commitment to reducing waste by reimagining discarded materials as meaningful works of art. Using reclaimed denim, vintage lace, wedding dresses, upholstery fabrics, quilting scraps, and other recycled textiles, she creates intricate tapestries depicting oceans, forests, galaxies, and the universe.
Her inspiration dates back to childhood, where she watched family members repurpose worn clothing and leftover fabrics into quilts and practical household items.
“The main narrative was always, ‘What can we do to make useful and beautiful objects instead of making garbage?'” Murtaugh recalled.
Raising Awareness of Textile Pollution
The exhibition goes beyond artistic expression by drawing attention to the environmental impact of fast fashion and textile waste.
Murtaugh began experimenting with recycled denim after inheriting fabric collections from her mother and later received funding to develop an exhibition highlighting the environmental costs associated with denim production and consumption.
Her daughter, who designs costumes for theatre, ballet, and opera productions, also contributes fabric remnants that would otherwise end up in landfill.
“I hope these images of natural beauty encourage people to think about textile pollution and the growing problem of our throw-away culture,” Murtaugh said.
She believes every reused fabric carries memories while contributing to the ongoing cycle of renewal.
Sustainability at the Heart of the Exhibition
According to T. Lance, Curator of Exhibits at the Sharp Museum, the exhibition perfectly aligns with SIU Carbondale’s commitment to sustainability.
He described Murtaugh’s work as a powerful example of the three Rs — Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — transformed into contemporary textile art.
Lance also compared her fabric-based compositions to the work of artist Tara Donovan, noting the intricate layering of tiny fabric fragments to create expansive cosmic landscapes.
“The way Murtaugh paints with fabric while continually challenging herself is inspiring,” Lance said.
Part of SIU’s Sustainability Vision
The exhibition complements another museum display, “Fuller Futures – Art and Artifacts,” celebrating futurist, architect, and former SIU faculty member R. Buckminster Fuller, whose work championed sustainable design and creative problem-solving.
Together, the exhibitions encourage visitors to rethink consumption, waste, and the role of creativity in building a more sustainable future.
By transforming discarded textiles into works of lasting beauty, Murtaugh demonstrates how art can inspire environmental awareness while giving new purpose to materials that might otherwise be thrown away.