Donna L. Lish's (Clinton, New Jersey) three pieces stood like grey sentinels, three-dimensional protectors created of machine-knitted industrial fibers ordinarily used to make safety equipment for firefighters.  The fine craftsmanship was unmistakable. My favorite was entitled Subext: Eruption, with flowing lines that provide a solid link with the earth.

Virginia A. Spiegel's (Byron, Illinois) Four Hundred Songbirds is a tribute to how 400 migrating songbirds were killed in one night in Wisconsin by communication towers. The towers, abstracted rectangles created with stark color contrast, make the work stand out from a distance.   It is the small red embroidery stitches representing the birds that gives it is poignancy and powerful message about the need to protect the smallest living things among us.