“Couldn’t Stop That Spinning Force” created by Andrea Alonge with fabric, chain, grommets, embroidery, rhinestones, fringe and yarn.

LA GRANDE — The Nightingale Gallery of Eastern Oregon University will open an exhibit by textile artist Andrea Alonge on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. A gallery talk by the artist and a reception will follow.

The exhibit title, “What Heaven Brought You and Me,” is a lyric from “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash. The exhibit examines themes of love, distance, connection and the human urge to witness and have one’s life and inner workings witnessed by another in the physical and digital world.

“What Heaven Brought You and Me” features a group of works by Alonge that bring together textiles, kitsch materials like chains and beads, and domestic materials such as shower curtain grommets, party tinsel and drapery rings.

“How do we connect, how can we begin to know another person, and how does it feel when we reach out and someone reaches back?” Alonge asks. “In the age of digital connection, where does tactility find its way?”

Music also plays a role in Alonge’s work — she sees it as a way to connect with others, be present in time, and experience spirituality. Each work is titled and is informed by lyrics from different songs important to the artist.

“‘What Heaven Brought You and Me’ presents viewers with Alonge’s intricately and meticulously crafted works and encourages their engagement in the broader themes addressed by her complex creations,” said Gallery Director Cory Peeke.

Alonge lives and works in Portland. She received her BFA from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago, and her MFA in fiber from Cranbrook Academy of Art. She has shown nationally and internationally, most recently at The Museum of Museums in Seattle, and is a member of WellWell Projects in Portland. She has created textile installations for Meta Open Arts in Bellevue, Washington, and Soho House Portland, among other projects.

The gallery will be closed Friday, Nov. 10, in observance of Veterans Day. Alonge’s show will be on display through Friday, Dec. 8, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (except Nov. 20-24 for Thanksgiving break.) For more information, follow the Nightingale Gallery on Facebook and Instagram.