Jane Sauer’s textiles are the product of her experiences as an educator, a gallerist, and a protestor. Sauer’s highly political work addresses the sanitization of systems of violence using quilting and embroidery, applying vintage techniques to household objects associated with covering up and making one presentable.

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​Since graduating Washington University School of Art in 1959, Jane Sauer has had a long and varied career devoted to the arts. She was a studio artist from 1960 until 2002 being awarded 2 major NEA grants, a Missouri Artists Grant and other smaller grants. She has exhibited both nationally and internationally. Her work is in 24 museums in the USA and abroad. She served on the Board of Trustees of the American Craft Council from 1992-2000 becoming Chair of the Board 1997-2000. She has also served on the board of Craft Emergency Fund 2008-2010, National Council for the School of Art, Washington University 1995 – present, and Advisory Board to the University of Santa Fe, 2011-15 plus numerous other Boards and Advisory committees.   In 2001 she became artistic director of Thirteen Moons Gallery, Santa Fe, NM, purchasing it in 2005 and changing the name to Jane Sauer Gallery. In 2014 she sold the gallery and formed Sauer Art Consultants.  During the course of her career she has given lectures, curated numerous exhibits, and juried shows, fellowships and grants. These activities are continued under her consulting firm. Sauer is part of the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institute of American Art, Washington, DC, an Honorary Fellow of American Craft, and was awarded Distinguished Alumni Award, Washington University, St. Louis, MO.

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"As an artist living in this age of uncertainty, division, confusion, and persistent violence, I feel compelled to use the voice I know best to speak out and be loud. I am haunted by the continuing cycles of brutality, killing, and destruction that plague our streets and war-torn regions. The cost of conflict is heavy for those innocently caught up in decisions made by a power structure detached from their realities. The collateral damage deepens the cycles of conflict and perpetuates suffering for those uninvolved in the primary violence. Through my work, I hope to illuminate the profound impact that these acts have on individuals, families, communities and nations. I do not focus on any single war, as the consequences are similar across all conflicts, regardless of the ground on which they are fought or the issues at stake. The pieces in this exhibit are my tools for speaking out and perhaps nudging the needle of compassion, even if just a small measure.

Many pieces in the exhibit utilize vintage household textiles called “doilies”, traditionally crafted by women. The textiles were originally designed to protect and cover up items considered of value. In my art, they symbolize how the systemic issues fueling hatred and violence are hidden from view or “covered up”.

-Artist Statement

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