Category: Guild Program

presented by Mary Jane Svenson
10:00 a.m. — via Zoom & In Person

I went in search of the rebozo. What I found was an amazing rich history of many crafts, including textiles and an abundance of current productive and creative artisans.

In February and March 2020. we traveled through Mexico in our Airstream as part of a caravan, crossing into Mexico at Nogales and traveling as far as Taxco, the silver city, south of Mexico City.

I had plans to spend time visiting weavers in two locations but due to Covid, my plans were cancelled. However, every market, shop and gallery featured the arts and crafts of their town, city, region. Museums and regional art centers provided the abundant textile history and information about specific regional crafts.

Included in the presentation (but not limited to) photos and/or examples I collected:

• Overview of Mexico
• Rebozos, history of and how/where they are oven — including ikat methods
• Embroidery, examples and applications to huipils, runners, etc.
• Beadwork by Huichol
• Basketry of the Raramuri
• Handwovens of Patzcuara – Tablecloths, bedspreads

January Meeting Place:
NEW ARK UNITED CHURCH of CHRIST
300 E. Main St.
Newark, DE 19711

If you are traveling west on East Main, the church is located on the right side of Main St., just past the Newark Emergency Room. If you pass the restaurant, “Grain on Main”, you have gone too far. There is a blue sign with white letters in front. The turn into the church is just before the sign. Please park in the back of the church. There are 3 handicapped parking spots in front of the church. Those parking in back can use the back entrance to the church.

Presented by Gynnie Moody
November 10 @ 10:00 a.m.
October’s In person/Zoom Program
Triaxial weaving is adapted from a basket weaving technique intertwining three elements at unique angles. The program will cover its history, modern applications, and artistic adaptations. After a brief program, those who have registered will have an opportunity to create their own piece using ribbons. It will be a wonderful way to experience the magic of color interaction.
Mad weave is another name for Triaxial weaving and you will understand why as you are adding that third elements.
Registration and payment of a $5.00 material fee will secure your spot in the workshop. If you have not already done so and would like to participate, please contact Gynnie Moody. You may pay the material fee with PayPal no later than October 5. You will need to bring your lunch, a pair of scissors, and sturdy straight pins or T pins. Ribbons 7/8″ wide in a wide variety of colors will be provided, as well as, foam core boards and instructions. You will leave by 2:00 PM hopefully with a finished piece.
Gynnie comes from a family of makers and does not remember a time when she was not fascinated with textiles. She has traveled extensively focusing on textiles and has dabbled in a number of textiles arts. Her work usually reflects her interest in layering and creating an illusion of depth. She has been a member of Harmony Weavers Guild since the late 1980s.

September’s Program
September 8 @ 10:00 a.m.

Igshaan Adams hails from Cape Town, South Africa and works specifically with textiles, beads and wire sculpture creations. His art is very abstract; imprinting a contemporary and modern twist to weaving. It can be a wall hung tapestry made with found objects, bits of cloth, fiber, shells, rope, wire and beads; a filigree freestanding structure containing elements reminiscent of dust or small storm clouds; may cover a spot on the floor – reminding one of a memory of a garden path or park; or an installation in this exhibit which represents his childhood memories. A prior exhibit of his work, “Kicking Dust”, incorporates his own history and community with a dance done in Cape Town in which the participants actually kick up clouds of dust. Indeed, his pieces incorporate his history and life’s journey.

We will explore his work in a long interview with the artist about his works in an exhibition called “Desire Lines” by the Art Institute of Chicago. The interview will touch on pathways he chose and boundaries that he encountered as he proceeded along his journey. In truth, where do we expect to go and where do we actually end up? Indeed, Igshaan will discuss his works in depth and how his experiences and beliefs have evolved his art and contributed to what we see in this exhibit (it closed in July so these are his most recent effort.) His work employs symbolism which is at once both exotic and beautiful.

Some ideas to consider while viewing – do you consider your weaving a practice or an art form? And what is the difference between the practice of your craft and art or is there a difference? How has your practice evolved and where will you go next with it? Has your life’s experiences and choices influenced your art / craft and how so?

We’d love to have you join us (either via Zoom or in person), but if you can’t, here is a link to the movie – Art Institute of Chicago Artist Talk: Igshaan Adams,
April 2, 2022