Central Ohio visual artist Holley Morris makes her debut at Kittie’s Highline Art Space with Delicacy and Strength, a collection of wool roving pieces, on exhibit at the Worthington gallery September 2–October 31, 2023.

A self-taught needle felting artist, Morris has been working with wool roving for nearly a decade. Her subject matter ranges from traditional landscapes to flowers and birds.

“Wool roving allows me to capture movement and life, much like watercolor painting,” Morris explains. “Lines often blur and shapes are suggested, but at the same time precise work can be created. Wool adds a dimension that brings a subject to life in a much different way than paint. Each of my pieces are unique and handmade, sometimes featuring items found in nature, like driftwood and twigs. This year, I have started experimenting with combining encaustic wax and wool roving with exciting results.”

Awarded an Honorable Mention in Fine Craft at the Westerville Music and Arts Festival in 2022, Morris continues to show at festivals. Her work has been featured at local galleries and on WOSU’s Broad and High.

The owners of Kittie’s Highline, Steve and Diane Herman, said, “We’re excited to have Holley’s work in the Art Space. She is the first ever needle felter to be featured here. We’re looking forward to the conversations that will be had over delicious coffee and freshly made pastries about her unique artwork in our shop.” The Hermans also own two other Kittie’s Cakes locations in central Ohio.