PHX Reporter

Paradise Valley Community College’s librarian, Sami Lange, is not only an accomplished educator but also a talented artist. Her current solo art exhibition, "A Million Little Choices," is being showcased at the Chandler Center for the Arts. The exhibition delves into the intricate layers of life, identity, and the diverse roles people play daily.

Lange’s exhibit consists of a series of vibrantly colored and intricately textured paper quilts that symbolize the complex yet beautiful burdens women and parents carry. Each meticulously crafted piece, made from thousands of hand-cut, hand-dyed paper fragments, represents the overwhelming number of choices encountered every day.

“The layers of imagery represent the sometimes unconnected and jarring roles in our varied identities,” Lange explains. “Minor decisions in our everyday lives lead to a woven and quilted life, made whole by the small moments, healthy relationships, and supportive circles we build for our families and communities.”

The collection not only highlights the burdens carried but also celebrates the joy and freedom found in making choices that resonate with core identities. Lange’s work invites viewers to discover the beauty within these layers and recognize the strength required to weave them together.

As the exhibition draws to a close, Lange shared insights into her creative process, inspirations behind her work, and how her role at PVCC has influenced her artistic journey.

Q: Can you walk us through your creative process for this exhibition? How do you go from an initial idea to a finished piece?

Lange: I start with initial drawings and sketches using graphite pencils, focusing on form and texture before I even think about color. Once the idea begins to take shape, I outline sections in specific colors and start testing those colors by dyeing paper. Every piece of paper is hand-dyed with liquid dye through a multi-step process: the paper is cut, dyed, dried, laid down, and taped. After that, I individually stitch each piece together. Between these steps, I often take desert walks to visualize how different color combinations might influence the piece, which can lead to changes in direction before it’s fully completed.

Q: How has your experience as a librarian at Paradise Valley Community College influenced your artwork?

Lange: My role as a librarian has significantly influenced my art. Serving as both a Librarian and Division Chair at PVCC involves a wide range of tasks and requires diverse expertise. This experience mirrors how we all navigate multiple roles in our lives that constantly shift day by day.

Q: What themes or messages do you hope to convey to those who view your art in this show?

Lange: I aim to create a space that visually and abstractly showcases how rich and whole our lives truly are. My work is a textured representation of the enormous loads many of us carry, made tangible through layers of paper and hand-stitched elements in each piece. The work looks entirely different when viewed digitally versus up close—there’s depth and richness that can only be fully appreciated in person.

Q: What advice would you give aspiring artists within the community who hope to one day have solo exhibitions?

Lange: I would advise aspiring artists to immerse themselves deeply in their work and strive to make it the best it can be. Opportunities will eventually come but keep putting yourself out there repeatedly. After nearly 20 years of actively selling and exhibiting my work, I’ve realized there’s no point where you’ve truly “made it” as an artist. Consistency, dedication to work that genuinely interests you, and willingness for long-term projects are crucial for advancing an art career. There are no shortcuts in this field.

Join Lange at Chandler Center for the Arts as she celebrates "A Million Little Choices."

Closing Reception

Friday, September 13

6 – 8 p.m.

For more information or RSVP visit: https://www.visiongallery.org/event/a-million-little-choices-sami-lange/