MANY CANCELLATIONS AND POSTPONINGS (if that's a word): As we all know, there are so many closures and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic that it is impossible to list all of them in our Bulletin. We advise calling or emailing any opportunity, call for artists, event or class that is published here to see if there are plans to reschedule or provide something online. 

THE 18TH ANNUAL SENIOR COLLEGE FESTIVAL OF ART, invites Maine artists, 50 years of age and above, to enter one piece of their work in this exhibition to be held at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center in Belfast, June 4 thru June 7, 2020. Amateur and professional artists are welcome, all media accepted, (some size restrictions may apply). Artists may offer their work for sale if they wish. You need not be a Senior College member to participate. Deadline to enter is March 31, 2020. Artwork to be delivered to the University of Maine Hutchinson Center on Wednesday, June 3, between 5 and 7 p.m. FMI and to obtain entry form: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., leave message at Senior College office (338-8033), www.belfastseniorcollege.org, or pick up at the Senior College Office, UMaine Hutchinson Center, 80 Belmont Ave., (Route 3), Belfast.

Maine Craft Bicentennial. A JOINT EXHIBITION AT THE CENTER FOR MAINE CRAFT + MAINE CRAFT PORTLAND. 2 GALLERIES // 200 YEARS: JUNE 12 – JULY 28, 2020. MCA is seeking member proposals of fine craft objects to be included in this 2020 Maine bicentennial celebration of craft. The exhibition will take place in the MCA’s two retail galleries: The Center for Maine Craft in West Gardiner, and Maine Craft Portland, located in Portland’s arts district. DEADLINE EXTENDED to March 30, 2020 @ 11pm. FMI: https://mainecrafts.org/dirigo2020/

These listings are for art, craft, farm and/or fiber-related items, equipment, supplies, tools, etc. Ads will run for three months after which they will disappear. They are free for Members of Maine Fiberarts ($60.00/year). Members may enter up to a 25-word description and contact information. For more information, for listing items you wish to give away for free, or to have Maine Fiberarts enter your ad for you, please contact us. To enter your own ad, look for the heading in this list called "Submit Your Own" and fill out the form.

Please Note: Due to COVID-19 disruptions, items in this list may be out of date.

HISTORIC BARN LOOM. Must be moved by end of August, 2020. Built around 1820 and restored in 1989. Pick up from the Woolwich Historical Society. FMI: Debbie Locke, 207-751-4351

FREE: LOVELY OLD TREADLE SEWING MACHINE. Owner is moving and doesn't want to move the machine again, but it can’t stay behind at the house they are selling. She is giving it away. FMI: Penelope Olson This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

KUMIHIMO LOOM, with bobbins, extra weights, and a whole lot of thread. Free to good home! Nan Butterfield, Yarmouth, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 272-2021

FREE: Sharon Forest of Lisbon is moving and wishes to give away her collection of knitting, crochet and craft books for free. She has about 40-50 vintage knitting books, 12-13 newer crochet books, and several general crafts books. She also has homespun material to give away. FMI: Sharon Forest, 207-407-4250 

FOR SALE: Leclerc 45 inch floor loom. Excellent condition. Non smoking home. Many accessories. Everything you need to get started weaving. $1450.00 or best offer. Jennifer Maeverde, Lewiston. Email for more information and photos: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

UNFINISHED PUNCH NEEDLE RUG PROJECT looking for a home. See complete listing with large image in "Opportunities" category. Scroll down to get to this category tab. This image is a detail of part of the rug.

FOR SALE: Rug Hooking wool cutter, Hooking yarns, wool fabric for hooking. FMI: Jane Page-Conway Artist/Photograher, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-798-0668

I have a lot of wonderful ART BOOKS (mostly fiber-related) I need to dispense with. I have been going through my rather (!) extensive library and have decided to downsize. I am offering the books for $4 each, and $10 for 3 books. They are in very good condition. Quite a variety of media: art quilts, weaving, rug hooking, collage, knitting, fabric design, you name it!
—Natasha Kempers-Cullen; 207-406-2640; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

MANY CANCELLATIONS AND POSTPONINGS (if that's a word): As we all know, there are so many closures and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic that it is impossible to list all of them in our Bulletin. We advise calling or emailing any opportunity, call for artists, event or class that is published here to see if there are plans to reschedule or provide something online. 

July 23-25
Pine Tree Quilters Guild, Inc. presents "MAINE QUILTS 2020," July 23-25, 9-5, Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, Maine. Featuring special exhibits including "HERstory Quilts: A Celebration of Strong Women," and more. 500+ quilts on display, workshops with seven national teachers, merchants mall, demonstrations, lectures, raffles and Friday night event. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., www.mainequilts.org

July 24, 25, 26
MCA Guild Fine Craft Show: MDI https://mainecrafts.org/programs/guild-fine-craft-shows/

Aug 5
MAINELY WEAVERS presents a lecture by Robbie LaFleur, editor of the Norwegian Textile Letter and weaving blogger. She will speak on the life and works of FRIDA HANSEN (1855-1931), tapestry weaver from Norway. August 5, 2020 at their meeting at Church of St. Mary the Virgin, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, 1:00 pm. FMI: Elizabeth Hunter, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Aug 14-16
MCA Guild Fine Craft Show: Belfast https://mainecrafts.org/programs/guild-fine-craft-shows/ 

Aug 22
Portland Fine Craft Show https://mainecrafts.org/programs/portland-fine-craft-show/

Sept 19-20
MCA Guild Fine Craft Show: Scarborough https://mainecrafts.org/programs/guild-fine-craft-shows/

Oct 24-25
MCA Guild Fine Craft Show: Brunswick  https://mainecrafts.org/programs/guild-fine-craft-shows/

200 YEARS OF FARMING: A BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. July 13 - October 2, a virtual online exhibition,live from July 13–October 2, presented by Maine Farmland Trust Gallery in celebration of Maine’s bicentennial, here. The exhibit, encompassing 53 works from 18 artists in a wide range of media, focuses on farming in Maine over the last 200+ years—from early homesteading to dairy, potatoes, blueberries, the local food movement, and present day changes and challenges. FMI: Maine Farmland Trust exhibit.

NATASHA KEMPERS-CULLEN will have work included in “Women Who Art,” a group show at The Mix (corner of Mason and Maine Streets, #53). Outdoor Reception: August 14, 4:30-73:30 p.m. at the Second Friday Brunswick outdoor artwork. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 207-406-2640

SUSAN MILLS is showing her felt and mixed media creations at Hedgerow Gallery in Tenants Harbor Maine, July 30 to August 8. Gallery open Wednesday–Sunday, 9-4. Socially Distant Artist Reception August 2, 2-4 pm. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MANY CANCELLATIONS AND POSTPONINGS (if that's a word): As we all know, there are so many closures and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic that it is impossible to list all of them in our Bulletin. We advise calling or emailing any event or class that is published here to see if there are plans to reschedule or provide something online. 

MAINE FIBERARTS has decided not to hold exhibits this Summer. After reviewing Maine CDC guidelines, other galleries’ plans, and Maine Arts Commission safety recommendations, we concluded that there is no way to keep staff and visitors completely safe at our gallery from this pandemic. We will review the decision again in the Fall and hope for better news. Watch for news of our first ever virtual exhibit of felted work "Outside The Circle" coming soon. Fiber Fridays are on hold also, though may re-emerge as video sessions for up to 25 participants..

BOOK ARTS PROGRESS GROUP MEETING, 6:30-8:30pm at Maine Media Workshops, 70 Camden Street, Rockport, ME. These meetings are held every other month on the second Thursday and are open to everyone—professional and amateur book makers, and anyone else interested in book arts. Bring books or projects you have finished or are working on to share, your questions, or anything else related to book arts. Or just come to be inspired! FMI: Cynthia McGuirl, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-354-0929

SPINDLEWORKS FIBER CIRCLE. Spindleworks artists invite community members to join them while they work on fiber projects. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon, 7 Lincoln Street, Brunswick, ME 04011. All welcome! FMI: www.spindleworks.org, Julianne Carle, 207-725-8820.

CRAFT MEETUP at CURTIS MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Mondays, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Seminar Room, 23 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, free. FMI: www.curtislibrary.com

EMBROIDERY GROUP, SKIDOMPHA LIBRARY, Barbicon Room, 184 Main Street, Damariscotta, free. FMI: www.skidompha.org

FIBER FRIDAY meets at Maine Fiberarts, 13 Main Street, Topsham on the first Friday of each month, 10-noon. Bring handwork and show-and-tell. All welcome! FMI: 207-721-0678

FREEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY hosts a group of rug hookers meet every Tuesday, 1-4 p.m.

KNITCHAT! South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway, South Portland, Fridays at 10 a.m. Free. FMI: www.southpoprtlandlibrary.com

KNIT NITE every Thursday night, 6 p.m., at the Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow Street in Bangor. Area knitters are invited to share the joys of knitting and their favorite patterns, while informally passing on knitting advice and skills. Newcomers welcome. Stop at the front desk and ask where the knitters are gathering. FMI: 207-947-8336

MAINELY WEAVERS STUDY GROUP meets the first Wednesday of each month at Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Route 88 in Falmouth, 10-2. All levels of weavers are welcome. FMI: Jayne Flanagan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MIDCOAST RUG HOOKERS meets the second Friday of each month, 10-1 or -2 at the Wiscasset Community Center. Bring lunch and friends. FMI: 207-633-7518; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PORTFIBER hosts PortWeavers every Tuesday, from noon-5 p.m. (bring your loom and project) and PortSpinners, Thursday afternoons from noon to 5 p.m. 50 Cove Street, Portland 04101, (207) 780-1345. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.portfiber.com

PORTLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY, Riverton Branch, 1600 Forest Avenue, Portland hosts a free Adult Knitting Groups on Thursdays starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring your knitting project and chat!

STITCH HIVE, a group organized by Maggie Muth, meets on the first and third Mondays at Mayo Street Arts, lower entrance, Portland from 6-7:30 p.m. Drop in or stay the whole time. Bring any kind of stitching and ideas or materials to share. They will have teaching, fruit and laughs. FMI: 207-317-2502

TOPSHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY hosts Sip & Stitch for knitting and crochet, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon. 25 Foreside Road, Topsham; 207-725-1727

MEMBERS, your regular Meet-Up could be posted here.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of Maine’s premier rug hooking artists, Liz Stoyko. Janet Conner remembers: “I first met Liz at one of my beginner hooking classes in Bridgton, ME. Liz wanted to learn rug hooking because she was laid up after knee surgery and she LOVED it, buying not one but three projects to complete. Bright and creative, it wasn’t long before Liz had hooked some original designs of her daughters’ pets. One day, I brought her to the Oxford Mill End Store, where she purchased and hand cut her wools. I introduced her to management and we hung several of Liz’s hooked pieces from the ceiling to create her first show. We know she grew and grew in rug hooking, working for Searsport Rug Hooking, teaching at Halcyon, and continuing to create original designs, often adaptations of famous portraits as “Face Pillows,” now in the hands of eager collectors. Just before her sudden death, Magnificent Hooked Rugs came out, featuring many of her works as exemplary rugs inspired by art history. Liz was kind, generous, and very talented. I will remember her with deep affection."

SNEAKERS! Arlene just returned from Boston with these.

SARA HOTCHKISS and her work was featured in an interview/article by editor, Michael Christie, rug expert and bespoke appreciator, in the Winter 2020 edition of RUG INSIDER Magazine, a publication for the commercial rug trade. FMI: https://www.sarahotchkiss.com

BARBARA BURNS has been writing a series of articles about artistic endeavors, marketing, and themes common to artists. See her latest about “artist validation” at https://americantapestryalliance.org/blog_category/validation/

JILL SNYDER WALLACE will have work included in the Maine Maritime Museum’s exhibit “Interwoven: Threads of Power in the Domestic Sphere.” The show was curated by Sarah Timm who called upon Maine Fiberarts for suggestions and referrals. Jill will also teach a monogram workshop entitled “Making Your Mark” in August in support of the exhibit.

Member CYNTHIA MCGUIRL sends the following: “Sandy Weisman, Abbie Read, Paula Blanchard, and I have formed a group to promote, encourage and educate around Book Arts. We are offering a three-day Workshop  https://mailchi.mp/be90240c4145/summer-artist-book-intensive-2143789?e=1bf1ec0c14 this summer, sponsoring a show Book Arts: Maine Artists at the Camden Library in September, and have formed a Facebook Group Midcoast Maine Book Arts to facilitate discussion and opportunities. Please consider being part of the discussion by joining the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/325185851340562/about/.

NEEDING HELP WITH AN OLD BARN FRAME LOOM
I'm contacting Maine Fiberarts because I have an interesting problem/project concerning an old barn frame loom. I'm hoping that someone may have some advice for me, or could help point me in the right direction! I am the designer at Maine Heritage Weavers—a small, family-run heirloom textile mill located in Monmouth, Maine. Last fall, an antique barn frame loom came into my possession (the last owner estimates that it's from the late 1700's or early 1800's.)  It arrived in pieces, and I have been on a mission to reassemble it and get it functioning, if I can!  I'm also interested in doing some general research about the history of these looms in Maine, so that I can share it with our mill visitors.

A few months ago, I visited the Boothbay Railway Village to see and take photographs of their fully restored barn frame loom to help guide me. Unfortunately, I've since discovered that my loom is missing an integral piece and I can't proceed setting it up without it. It seems simple enough to try to replicate, so I'm willing to rig something up or attempt to build it myself.  I'm hoping to find some community members or other Maine/New England weavers who may have some insight into this predicament. Is it possible to find a piece like the one I'm missing somewhere? If I were to rig something up, does anyone have any ideas how I could do so? Are there people out there who could construct the piece again out of wood, if I provided the measurements? There are a lot of possibilities. This is a challenging problem to solve! Any input would be appreciated :) —Adrienne Beacham, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We like your letters, and your news. Keep them coming.

THE VIOLET PROTEST: A public effort to send 50 hand-made ​textile squares to each and every member of Congress ​in support of these core American values: Civility and Respect, Citizenship, Compromise, Country over party and corporate influence, Courage, Candor, Compassion, Creativity. Makers from across all 50 United States, Puerto Rico, DC and all American territories are invited to make square textile units (8” x 8” in size) using any of the following techniques: knit, crochet, weave, sewn/pieced, quilted, embroidered, applique, felting, screen printed fabric - or combinations of techniques. FMI: http://www.violetprotest.com/about.html

We are sending you to this link from Barbara Burns, Maine Fiberarts member, about Markings Gallery in Bath, Maine. Celebrating their 10th anniversary in these hard times. https://mailchi.mp/e28f283ab89e/help-save-markings-gallery-4633905?e=cebac0c722

The MAINE FIBERARTS Gallery and Red Studio are closed to the public for the duration of the COVID-19 "stay at home" directives. We are going ahead with modified plans for the rest of the year which will be announced as we know them. Christine is available by phone or email or by contact form.

NEW FARM DIRECTORY: Cooperative Extension has published an online directory and map about where Maine farm products are available. It is updated as oftenas possible, and farmers are invited to add their farm to the map. Fiber farms are included! https://extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/farm-product-and-pickup-directory/

NOT THAT NEW NEWS: As we all know, there are so many closures and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic that it is impossible to list all of them in our Bulletin. We advise calling or emailing any event or class that is published here to see if there are plans to reschedule or provide something online. 

JAGGER SPUN mill is still located in Springvale, Maine and is about to open an outlet store! We met one of the mill’s staff members—a prolific knitter who turned up at Katharine Cobey’s free knitting sessions. FMI: https://www.jaggerspunyarn.com

KNITWIT welcomes new owners Jennifer & Chuck Fleck! But first they are throwing a "Thank you/Cast-On-Along party" on Saturday, February 29th! Come anytime between 1:00-4:00 p.m. Store is closing from March 1-March 7 to get ready for grand re-opening the week of March 9, 2020.

FULLER CRAFT MUSEUM, 455 Oak Street, Brockton, MA announces New 2020 Artist-in-Residence, fiber artist, Suzanne Watzman. Suzanne will hold Open Studio Visitor Hours, workshops, and talks from April 2 to June 26, 2020. Watzman is a RISD graduate whose curiosity and sense of adventure have inspired her many travels to South Asia. She is currently attending Aranya Natural, a conference in Munnar, India featuring the sustainability of natural dyes. Her residency will focus upon shibori & indigo dyeing. FMI: https://fullercraft.org/product/new-artist-in-residence-suzanne-watzman/

Want to learn more about THE MAKERS GUILD OF MAINE? Here's what they say on their website: "The Makers Guild of Maine creates opportunities for people to come together to make beautiful and practical handcrafted items, traditional music and locally sourced food. Learning and sharing these skills reaches across generations and backgrounds and puts front and center the forgotten pleasure - and sense of accomplishment - that come with actually making things - whether it’s a new harmony, a gossamer soft shawl, a sturdy fishing line or a blueberry pie." FMI: https://makersguildmaine.org

MERGER. Maine Crafts Association and Maine Crafts Guild Become One Maine Craft Organization. The Maine Crafts Association, a leading Maine non-profit arts organization established in 1983, and the Maine Crafts Guild, a prominent Maine craft institution promoting fine craft shows for over 44 years have joined forces to become one Maine craft organization. Please join the Maine Crafts Association, our board of directors, exhibiting artists, members and friends to celebrate this momentous occasion and opening of our 2020 show season at the preview night of the MCA Guild Fine Craft Show: Mount Desert Island at Camp Beech Cliff, July 24th, 5-8 p.m. Tickets available at mainecrafts.org, Sadie Bliss, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-205-0791

YOU TUBE SHEEP HANDLING VIDEOS from American Sheep Industry Association (ASI). A 4 part video series on sheep handling including introduction, general principles, market facilities and processing facilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7LByfB_LYo&list=PLvmdHSmZBuFs4-NfIjGWVVwgS_zBaKOJj&index=1

ONLINE RESOURCES for sheep and goat producers: Extension national goat portal for resources: http://articles.extension.org/goat
Extension national sheep portal for resources: http://articles.extension.org/sheep

SUSAN PERRINE’S piece won first prize at the Wayne County council on the Arts Regional Fiber Arts Show in Newark, NY. The piece was made of woven cotton, alpaca, horsehair and porcupine quills.

Remember, when you buy through AMAZON, PLEASE go to smile.amazon.com to generate donations for Maine Fiberarts. It’s easy, and the organization receives a small donation with each purchase. Thank you. You can also link directly from these pages on our website: https://www.mainefiberarts.org/support-maine-fiberarts and scroll down near the bottom, or click the "More" button on the top right of any page and scroll down to see the link to amazon smile. Any time you shop on Amazon use this link:

NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT: “The Story of Lillian Burke,” Edward Langille, Boularderie Island Press. “Lillian Burke was instrumental in the development of the Cheticamp hooked rug cottage industry in the 1920s. With the support of Alexander Graham Bell’s younger daughter Marian, ‘Burkie’ as she was affectionately known, breathed new life into Mabel Bell’s Cape Breton Home Industries during the tough years of the Great Depression.”

The Maine chapter of the SURFACE DESIGN ASSOCIATION (SDA) held a lively meet and greet on a lovely June afternoon in Rockland. Eleven fiber artists (several of whom are also members of Maine Fiberarts) gathered for a potluck lunch along with a brainstorming session for future activities. Michelle Lee, SDA Board member and the Membership Committee Chair, and Kate Dean, rep for SDA New Hampshire joined the Maine members. Highlights included plans for a curatorial talk by Lissa Hunter at Darkness and the Light on Saturday, September 14 at MECA's ICA in Portland in partnership with Maine Crafts Association; there are plans for a juried SDA New England exhibition in Watertown, MA, early in 2020; preliminary plans for organizing a SDA Maine exhibit later in 2020 or in 2021, venue to be determined; upcoming quarterly in-person meetings on Saturday afternoons in Bangor including a technique, show-n-tell sessions, speakers, field trips, movie viewing, or exhibition organization; several formats for a group project among members were discussed; Kate Russell Henry will spearhead the project. As it develops, a venue for exhibiting the results will be sought; increasing exposure for members through SDA via the website, journal, newsletters, and exhibitions; SDA grants for professional development and socially engaged practices are open; a chance to study SDA's swatch collection. It is always a pleasure to "talk shop" with other fiber enthusiasts. Membership in the Surface Design Association is available at several levels and throughout the year at surfacedesign.org.—Jennifer Morrow Lee

Two new art centers are opening in the East Bayside area of Portland. INDIGO ARTS ALLIANCE will open at 60 Cove Street as a “hybrid studio and community work space that will pair professional and emerging artists of color.” Daniel and Marcia Minter are the proprietors. COVE STREET ARTS will involve textile designer Angela Adams, her partner Sherwood Hamill, John Danos and Kelley Lehr, newly-moved here from LA and the new owners of Greenhut Gallery. They will open a 13,000 square-foot “multimedia community space” that will include “multiple commercial galleries, event and workshop spaces and two artist studios.” Angela Adams will run her design business and showroom from the same building. Danos envisions public space for lectures, artist talks, movies and other events related to the exhibitions in the galleries. The art centers will join PortFiber and Running with Scissors, as well as area coffee roasters, restaurants and breweries, in creating a vibrant draw for the public. [See article in 1/26/2019 Portland Press Herald, “New Art Center Where ‘The Energy is Great’” by Bob Keyes.]

MAINE CRAFTS ASSOCIATION and the MAINE ARTS COMMISSION announce the pairs selected for the 2019 Craft Apprentice Program: Joe Ascrizzi, master with apprentice Lisa Neuman (jewelry); Kim Dailey, master with apprentice Jedediah Malcore (wood turning); Gabriel Frey, master with apprentice Frances Soctomah (basketry); Nisa Smiley, master with apprentice Lauren Beach (jewelry); and David Wolfe, master with apprentice David Connor (printmaking). FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“Study of 400,000 knitters shows how hobby evolves into business,” is an article by Andrew Van Dam appearing in the “Business” section of the PORTLAND PRESS HERALD [November 15, 2018]. The article highlights how an MIT Ph.D. candidate Hyejun Kim studied Ravelry to “shed light on the hard-to-measure early stages of entrepreneurship, and the social and economic forces that cause some to flip from ‘fun’ to ‘profit.” The article states that there are “more than 8 million people who have signed up for Ravelry since 2007” of which “96 percent are women.” Ravelry is a social media website dedicated to yarn, patterns, tools, books and designers involved with knitting and fiber techniques.

Friends with visitors. Looking for something fun and interesting to do? Remember our Fiber Arts Mini Tour: Midcoast Maine. Pick up a brochure at Maine Fiberarts or at any one of the Maine State Visitor Information Centers detailing 20 great studios, farms, galleries and more to visit. A fine tour! See a glimpse of the sites to see at: http://folio.mainefiberarts.org/fiber-arts-mini-tour/

HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF ART announces that the Jane Weiss Garrett Scholarship is now fully endowed supporting tuition, room and board annually for a student to attend a workshop in ceramics, glass or fiber. FMI: www.haystack-mt.org

”FIBER ART MASTERS: A Visual Tour to Maine Artists’ Studios and Work,” is a small book published by Maine Fiberarts profiling the work of twenty Maine master fiber artists ($23 plus tax and shipping through Maine Fiberarts). Meanwhile, you can take a look at the preview here. Printing is disabled, but you may download it to view it later. It is about 7 MB. You will need Adobe Reader (or Acrobat), and if you right click on this link and download it to your computer, you will be able to view it full screen if you choose. When you are done, you can get things back to normal by pressing the ESCape key.

MARSHFIELD SCHOOL OF WEAVING, Marshfield, VT has “received an extraordinary gift of large and small tools from the American Textile History Museum. A number of looms and wheels are in daily use at the school, and the other tools are house in a new storage space where they are available for study and use as needed.” MSW hosts workshops, teacher training in barn loom weaving, a Textile History Forum and other fiber-related events. FMI: www.marshfieldschoolofweaving.com

REPAIR TECHNICIANS for looms, spinning wheels and fiber equipment are needed. Carol Fritz needs someone to repair a 36-inch Nilus LeClerk loom and Maine Fiberarts needs to know who the repairmen are that we can refer. Add your free listing to our online Tour Map/Resource Guide at www.mainefiberarts.org 

ARTISTS WANTED for a new project: "The Jack Pine Project" is a collaboration between the Maine Folklife Center, UMaine Hutchinson Center and Belfast Creative Coalition. "Where Crisis Meets Community Arts." It is intended to help Maine respond to and recover from the coronavirus pandemic through the arts. They are hiring artists to conduct workshops with cohorts of affected people throughout the state, using different art forms to help them tell their stories and express their feelings about the current crisis. They currently do not have a fiber art workshop planned but would like to hear from interested instructors. More information, as well as the instructor proposal form, can be found at www.jackpineproject.com (https://umaine.edu/mainestudies/jack-pine-project/). Also Kreg T. Ettenger, 207-581-1840, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Director, Maine Folklife Center & Maine Studies Program

WOMEN MIND THE WATER. Seeking artists whose work features the ocean, particularly with reference to issues that impact the ocean. Opportunities for exhibition, magazine coverage, and podcast feature. September 2, 2020. FMI: Pam at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MANY CANCELLATIONS AND POSTPONINGS (if that's a word): As we all know, there are so many closures and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic that it is impossible to list all of them in our Bulletin. We advise calling or emailing any opportunity, call for artists, event or class that is published here to see if there are plans to reschedule or provide something online. 

JOB OPENING for Loom Repairer: WG-8. Full Time/Permanent. $23.22 to $27.07 per hour. Responsible for running and repairing the historic machinery in the Boott Cotton Mills Museum weave room, the park's signature living-history exhibit which recreates the look and atmosphere of a textile factory floor. It showcases 88 Draper Model E looms, bobbin winders, and other machinery. Reporting to the Exhibits Specialist. Wearing period costume circa 1900, the loom fixer repairs, maintains, and safely operates looms, bobbin winders, and line shafting in the exhibit. The loom fixer interacts with museum visitors and demonstrates NPS interpretive competencies. The loom fixer maintains records and schedules for maintenance and lubrication of weaving machinery and related textile equipment. When needed, the loom fixer sets up and operates a portable loom for special events. The loom fixer also receives shipments and unloads textile supplies with the use of a forklift as necessary. FMI: Michelle King, Lowell National Historical Park, 67 Kirk Street, Lowell, MA, 978-275-1717, https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/555543200

MCA GUILD FINE CRAFT SHOWS: 2020 Show Calendar. New in 2020, the Maine Crafts Association is managing four fine craft shows previously managed by the Maine Crafts Guild. Current members of the MCA Guild Level Membership are now invited to register for the 2020 MCA Guild Fine Craft Shows! https://mainecrafts.org/programs/guild-fine-craft-shows/ 

Our friend ANNE COX at HEDGEROW has come into possession of a beautiful started punch needle rug project about 2/3 finished. (above image) The craftsmanship thus far is exquisite. She wants to find a good home for this project with someone who will complete it. The finished piece will be about 3'x5' and includes all instructions, punch, and the remaining wool to finish it. Please get in touch with Anne for more information, and to see or "adopt" the rug: Hedgerow is near St. George, Maine, between Port Clyde and Tenants Harbor: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or  https://hedgerowdesign.com/

JOSEPH A. FIORE ART CENTER located in Jefferson, Maine offers art residencies, open studio days, exhibitions and retreats for artists on a rolling farm setting. The Center is "available for rent, in its entirety or by the room, to groups or individuals whose reason for wanting to stay at the Center aligns with our mission." The Center is part of Maine Farmland Trust. FMI: 207-338-6575; www.mainefarmlandtrust.org

Maine Fiberarts is creating LEARNING FIBER ART: A GUIDE TO MAINE TEACHING RESOURCES in Maine and wants all artists, craftspeople, shops, learning centers, retreats, libraries and special events—offering fiber learning on a regular and ongoing basis. Coming out as a printed and online book.

MAINE ARTS COMMISSION offers several grants for individual artists, including “Project Grant for Artists,” “Traditional Arts Apprenticeship,” “Maine Artist Fellowship,” and the “Jane Morrison Memorial Film Fund.” For descriptions and deadlines, see: www.mainearts.gov/Pages/Funding/For-Individuals

Argy Nestor of the MAINE ARTS COMMISSION seeks art making materials and supplies that are no longer needed since she works with many art teachers in Maine and in other countries. Email her and she’ll be glad to make arrangements for pick up. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FOR RENT. Huge studio (799 sq. ft.) available at Waterfall Arts in Belfast. Renters have 24/7 access, wi-fi, parking, and more. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MAINE FIBER RESOURCE GUIDE has become Maine Fiberarts Tour. This online version takes the place of our printed Tour Maps, and is THE place we direct visitors to. Listings are FREE so please fill out the online form, or call Maine Fiberarts and we will assist you: 207-721-0678.

FIBER FOLIO folio.mainefiberarts.org is our photo-illustrated tour to fiber, art, craft and farms across Maine and beyond. Always new profiles and changing content, profusely-illustrated with colorful photography. A living tour. Check it out!

If you have a Bulletin item to contribute to this Fiber Bulletin here, you can enter it yourself using this form.

Maine Fiberarts has a CLASSIFIED ADS section. Ads are FREE for Members ($60/year or higher) and run for three months. Enter your fiber-related item or help-wanted request in the form at the bottom of every page. It is the same form you would use to add an event or bulletin listing.

Be sure to take the FIBER ART MINI TOUR: Midcoast Maine. Read about it here. Brochures are available at Center for Maine Craft in West Gardiner; Markings Gallery in Bath; Maine Fiberarts in Topsham; Halcyon Yarn in Bath; Maine State Information Centers in Yarmouth, Kittery, Hampden North and South, Calais, Fryeburg, Houlton; Newcastle Inn in Newcastle; Henry and Marty Restaurant in Brunswick, Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, Wild Oats in Brunswick.

Fill in the form below to simplify sending us your news, event, announcement or ad for our Statewide Fiber Bulletin. Please check our bulletin for other items that have been published so you will have an idea of the length and the format. Keep it brief, 25 words. Make sure emails and websites are correct and functioning before you put them in. We will delete items once they have happened, we do not keep an archive of events. Ads will run for 3 months and are free for members.

Our Fiber Bulletin is not the same thing as our Fiber Resource Guide/Tour Map. If what you are announcing is a consistent or recurring event, an organization, a service or a studio that has an address that you would like to add to our digital tour, there is a link to enter your information on our map, here.

To the BELVEDERE FUND of the Maine Community Foundation for a $5,000 grant award to visit rural regions of Maine to discover and to document fiber artists and to add their work to Maine Fiberarts’ Photo Image Libraries, News Bulletin, and Fiber Folio. Thank you, MCF!

To THE TATTER TEXTILE LIBRARY of Brooklyn, New York, for its recent financial gift supporting the work of Maine Fiberarts. Your gift and recognition are greatly appreciated. Tatter has a library of books that is open to the public by appointment. They also offer classes in various types of stitching. Check out their website and thank you, Tatter! www.tatter.org

Thank you to BANGOR SAVINGS BANK for sponsoring our exhibition for Elizabeth Busch! Your support is very much appreciated!

MAINE ARTS COMMISSION for partial funding of a project grant to redesign, expand and promote our Fiber Folio photo blog, www.mainefiberfolio.com. We are looking for guest writers and unique ideas to feature on our online Folio. Be in touch! Maine Arts Commission is an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

THE EDGARD AND GERALDINE FEDER FOUNDATION for monies to reprint our FIBER ART MASTERS book since our first edition is just about out of print. Thank you!

To the BELVEDERE TRADITIONAL HANDCRAFTS FUND of the MAINE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION for major funding to create our online and printed new book: LEARNING FIBER ART: A GUIDE TO MAINE TEACHING RESOURCES. Thank you, Belvedere. You are dear to us!!

To our AMAZING BENEFACTOR, who wishes to remain anonymous, and who will support Maine Fiberarts with a check for $12,500 during 2019 if we can match it. Thank you to all who gave towards this match last year. We raised $17,000 during 2018 with this incentive. Wonderful!

MAINE HUMANITIES COUNCIL for an award of a Major Grant in support of our "Threads of History" show this Spring-Summer 2017. The grant supports programming at Maine Fiberarts, three scholars, one tour, and two lectures. Candace Kanes will offer a guided tour along Maine Street, Brunswick pointing out the former fiber businesses of yore: haberdasheries, dressmakers, milliners, and corsetiere shops. Historian Scott Hansen will provide a tour through Cabot Mill and a talk about Brunswick mill history. And Jacqueline Field is offering a talk on Maine's silk industry. See "Current Exhibition" for dates and locations.

To TWO DONORS who wish to remain anonymous, one for general support of Maine Fiberarts during 2018 and another who is supporting our new Learning Fiber Art: A Guide to Maine Teaching Resources. Thank you!

MAINE OFFICE OF TOURISM and MAINE ARTS COMMISSION for support of our Fiber Arts Mini Tour: Midcoast Maine which is now in use during Summer of 2019 for self-guided tours.

Thank you to the following special donors who continue to support our exhibitions and programming: Verrill Dana, Ann Kaplan, Maine Humanities Council, Maine Arts Commission, Katharine Watson, Judith Connorton, Carolyn Murray, Bangor Savings Bank, Mary Lou Steptoe, Arlene Morris, Dr. Steven Stern, Mr. and Mrs. John Schaperkotter, William and Judith Winship, David and Margo Knight, Peggy Whitney Hobbs, Sue Perless, and Carolyn Wollen. Many people working together to bring beautiful shows of fiber work to our gallery!

Thank you to The Betterment Fund, Maine Arts Commission, Maine Office of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts for support  to continue our programs, and especially our online Maine Fiberarts Tour. Artists and fiber producers: get yourself listed on our map at www.mainefiberartstour.com

MANY CANCELLATIONS AND POSTPONINGS (if that's a word): As we all know, there are so many closures and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic that it is impossible to list all of them in our Bulletin. We advise calling or emailing any event or class that is published here to see if there are plans to reschedule or provide something online. 

HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF CRAFTS 2020 Summer Session Fiber Workshops:
SESSION 1, June 7-19, 2020, L J Roberts, Embroidery, Composition, and Collage;
SESSION 2, June 21–July 3, 2020, Cynthia Alberto, Backstrap Weaving;
SESSION 3, July 12–24, 2020, Pascale Gaztzen, Friends of light;
SESSION 4, July 26–August 7, 2020, Liz Collins, Micro/Macro;
SESSION 5, August 9–21, 2020, Jane Lackey, Finding Focus;
SESSION 6, August 23–August 29, 2020, Brece Honeycutt, Flower Power.
FMI: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/summer-workshops-details or call (207) 348-2306

PLEASANT MOUNTAIN FIBER ARTS WORKSHOPS, June 19-21, 2020: Discover the "West Coast of Maine." Workshops held in the Denmark Municipal Building, the Denmark Congregational Church and the Denmark Public Library, an hour west of Portland and only one half hour from North Conway in New Hampshire. All Day Classes from 9AM to 4PM (an hour for lunch). FRIDAY: Painting on Silk - Julie Yarbrough; Fabulous Felt Flowers - Kendra Rafford; Secret Belgian Binding - Anna Low; Sashiko - Linda Whiting; Needle Felted Animal Portrait - Jan Winsor; Traditional Proddy Mat - Janet Conner; Oxford Punch Needle Rug - Marcy Young. SATURDAY: Penobscot Tote Basket - Ida Atkinson; Needle Felt Your New BFF - JulieYarbrough; Small Braided Oval Rug - Kim Durkee; Eco Printing - Mary Delano; Rigid Heddle Weaving - Karen Smith; Dyeing to Make a Rug - Linda Whiting; 3D Felting - Pouches with Personality - Kendra Rafford. SUNDAY: Open & Airy Felt Scarf - Kendra Rafford; Shibori Indigo - Mary Delano; Small Braided Rug - Kim Durkee; Photo Album with Traditional Japanese Binding - Anna Low. 1/2 Day Classes - Mornings 9AM to Noon - Afternoons 1PM to 4PM. FRIDAY MORNING: Napkin Basket; Norwegian Mittens. FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Braided Star and Wreath, Introduction to Double Knitting. SATURDAY MORNING: Beginning Rug Hooking, Beginning Handspindle, Locker Hooking. SATURDAY AFTERNOON: A Box for Every Bit, Multi Media Rug Hooking, Introduction to Two Color Knitting. SUNDAY MORNING: Twig Globe Twinkle Light, Kumihimo with Beads, Twined (or Two End) Knitting. SUDAY AFTERNOON: Twig Globe Twinkle Light, Felting Hoopla, Woven Fabric Basket. For a printable schedule and to sign up form, visit their website: http://www.pleasantmtfiber.com

SARA HOTCHKISS announces 2020 workshops at her studio in Waldoboro: “Weave a Rug/Color Your Home Workshop Experience,” two days designed for beginners. Warp and weft prepared ahead after student chooses colors to work with. Leave with a finished rug, $295 on May 14-15 or July 9-10. “Rep Weave Collaboration on the Big Loom,” two days designed for students with previous experience. Work on the 12-foot Glimakra Sovereign loom. Students leave with a finished rug 30x40”, fee $295, August 5-6. “Weave a Heart Rug,” three days weaving two hearts that face each other, 24x40,” $425, June 16-18 or October 28-30. “Weave a Tapestry Rug/Color Your Home,” three days for beginners and those with some experience to learn basic tapestry stitches. Looms and materials are ready for students to begin weaving. Finished techniques are demonstrated and students leave with a finished rug, 24x40,” $425, July 14-16 or September 8-10. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., https://www.sarahotchkiss.com