rigid heddle loom
weaving workshop
Saturday, January 10
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Ever wondered about weaving but didn't have access to a loom or know where to start? Ever thought "I'm more a math and science person than an artist"? Ever found it hard to sit still during an art class? If so, then this is the class for you! Weaving is an art form that dates back thousands of years and relies on simple math and mechanics to design, plan, and create beautiful and functional art. Students in this class will use Arts on Main's rigid heddle looms to learn beginning weaving techniques and create a scarf or table runner. Kate has done all the math and will walk students through the steps of warping (setting up), weaving, and finishing the project. She'll also show how to read patterns and design future projects. By the end of the class, students will know the basic vocabulary and steps involved in weaving on a rigid heddle loom. Come learn how to make your own cloth!
For ages 16+
All supplies will be provided by the instructor.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Kathryn “Kate” Swanson’s love of art began at an early age with art classes starting when she was about five years old. Since then, she has explored a wide variety of media including painting, drawing, pastel, pottery, glass, and fiber. Today, she primarily works in fiber, embracing a medium and technique that she has loved since elementary school. She sees her weaving as a meditative practice that is both calming and exhilarating, and she loves creating works of art that are aesthetically pleasing and often functional. Taking the cloth off the loom and realizing that she’s transformed yarn into handwoven art is one of her favorite parts of being an artist. When she is not weaving, Kate is the Executive Director of Gloucester Arts on Main.