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Are you an artist, arts organization or venue?: artist

What town do you live in?: Shutesbury

In which disciplines do you work or exhibit?: Fiber

Artist Statement/Bio: After an extracurricular weaving class in high school, I fell in love with weaving. In 1977-78, I apprenticed to Lisa Merton in Putney, VT. Inspired by Lisa’s Scandinavian weaving traditions and design, I spent the following college year in Finland studying textile art & design. Upon my return from Scandinavia, I moved to the Valley and began production weaving for local weavers and began to sell my own handwovens.

In 1985 I completed a BFA in Fiber Arts from the Program in Artisanry at Boston University where I also developed a passion for fiber art, studying surface design with Barbara Goldberg, and off loom techniques with Barbara Shawcroft and weaving with Jayne Thomas and Barbara Eckhardt.

With a never ending desire to expand my technical and knowledge base, I completed the requirements for my Master Weaver Certificate from Hill Institute in 1995 under the tutelage of Jeannetta Jones. I have taken numerous workshops over the past 30+ years studying with many other wonderful nationally known fiber artists and weaving teachers who have influenced my work and teaching.

Currently I weave and teach in my studio at the Leverett Crafts and Arts Center. I enjoy the contemplative process of weaving and love sharing my passion and knowledge of textile traditions and fiber art with students of all ages. I’ve lectured and taught weaving and introductory fiber art classes for local fiber shops, guilds, schools and arts organizations.

Some of you may remember me from the Fiber Art Center in Amherst where for many years I developed events, exhibitions and programs in order to increase visibility, accessibility and appreciation of fiber art in the valley, serving on the founding board and later as executive director. I am delighted to be a part of Sawmill River Arts collaborative and pleased to be selling my handwovens and teaching again.

I live in Shutesbury, MA with my husband, youngest daughter, nephew and dog.

Describe your organization or gallery: I am a member of Sawmill River Arts Gallery at the Montague Mill a gallery featuring fine art & craft. My studio is located at Leverett Crafts and Arts.