Due to the pandemic of 2020 cancelling so many venues that were holding exhibitions and gatherings, we eventually stopped trying to keep a categorized list of fiber events. Because of an increasing number of requests from non-members to list sale items, we wanted to make ads possible for a fee smaller than the cost of a membership. We have refined the guidelines by narrowing down the types of fiber-related events and happenings that we will post here on this page: "For Sale or Free," "Announcements," "Educational Events," and "Exhibits." (the order will change)
We are still offering fee-based FOR SALE ads for anyone at $25 per ad which is payable on our online art shop. Once the payment is made, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. describing the item, price, your name and contact information. If the item is free there is no fee required, and you may email the same link. It will be posted as soon as possible. For Sale Items will be active until you notify us, or for a period of three months, whichever comes first. We will be posting the ads and announcements below.
Members may take advantage of free listings in any of these four categories by emailing Carol (same as the "send an email" link above). Listings must contain the same information, including description, price/fees, contact information, websites, phone numbers and dates and times. Announcements for dated items, such as workshops or classes must be received at least two weeks in advance of the listed event's deadline. Small succinct images may be attached, but please do not attach posters as the only way to show the information.
For Sale or Free
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. Contact our friend ANNE COX at HEDGEROW who 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/
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.
Fiber Art Exhibits
Joelle Webber, Mermaid Bindery, Westport Island, Maine, has a booth at OAK KNOLL FEST XXI: A celebration of fine printing and artist’s books. Thursday, October 28, 12:00pm - Saturday, October 30, 8:00pm (EDT). Join us for a Virtual Book Fair https://oakknoll.getmansvirtual.com and Zoom Presentations https://www.oakknoll.com/fest/speakers.html
ART QUILTS MAINE annual tour kick off at the LA Arts Friday Art Walk, 9/24/2021. The show is hung at Kimball St Studios, 191 Lisbon St Lewiston, ME 04240. Other stops on the tour include Portland Public Library, Skowhegan Public Library and Maine Quilts 2022! FMI: Rana O'Connor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., https://ranaquilts.wordpress.com, https://facebook.com/events/s/art-quilts-maine-art-walk-2021/555383172352312/
"BEYOND THE BLUES" premieres September 30–October 29, 2021, at Merrymeeting Art Center, 9 Main Street, Bowdoinham, Maine. It's an exhibit of traditional and contemporary Shibori textile art, with textiles showing color blending techniques, using natural dyes; wall hangings, scarves and decorator items for sale. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10-2, and during Maine Craft Weekend October 2–3, from 10-5, with demonstrations of the Shibori techniques, and artist talks at 11am and 3pm both days. FMI: Kathy Goddu, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ARLENE MORRIS presents PAPER ASSEMBLAGES at The Gallery in Readfield, 138 Main Street, Readfield, Maine, September 4 – October 16, 2021. Reception September 4, 3-5 pm. Hours Wednesdays 2:30-5 and Satyurdays 10-Noon. FMI: 207-522-7325.
Member, Mary McFarland, sent us the notice of this exhibit, PALETTE OF THE FOREST. August 30-October 8, 2021 at Emery Community Arts Center at University of Maine at Farmington. Opening Reception 9/2/21 from 4-7 pm.
Joelle Webber, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. announces "STRUCTURE & NARRATIVE II: Midcoast Maine Book Arts." A fiber exhibition from 8/21–9/30. Presented by Michael Good Gallery, 325 Commercial St, Rockport, Maine. An invitational exhibition featuring work by 18 book artists from Maine. The public is invited to an opening reception with the artists at the gallery 8/26/21 from 4-7 pm. Here's a show catalog: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GDyArvMIDY4fuzVGFgoane39cTJodQox/view See https://www.michaelgood.com/ for gallery information.
TRACKING SPIRIT. A collaboration weekend show of three artists: Nancy Marstaller, Susan Mills and Sara Palumbo. August 7-8, noon-5 pm, at Susan Mills Studio, 736 Millay Road, Bowdoin, ME 004287
Member SARAH HASKELL announces “UPSURGE" A three person show. Reception next Thursday, June 17th, from 6-8pm. Michelle Lougee, Sarah Haskell and Rebecca McGee Tuck will all be speaking briefly about what motivates them to create their art, what their message is, and what the heart of their activism looks like. Programming is from 7-7:30pm. At The PEG Center for Art & Activism, 3 Harris Street, Newburyport, MA, 978-376-4746. FMI: www.paulaesteygallery.com
CENTER FOR BOOK ARTS at USM offers the following Virtual Exhibit: “Guild of Book Workers New England Chaper.” View online at www.usm.maine.edu/bookarts
HATS FOR SALE, an artful fundraiser with Altered Couture's Christine DeTroy, fiber artist and organizer of the well-loved “Altered Couture” show. Maine makers were invited to create a hat, a headpiece, a Chapeau, a Millinery Masterpiece “to raise spirits and zest for Spring and to raise funds for ArtVan!” FMI: Christine Detroy, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-213-5368, Sign up and join: https://artvanprogram.org/artists-artvan/
The SEABREEZE QUILT GUILD, based on the Seacoast of New Hampshire, is having a virtual quilt show during the month of April. They are very proud of the 90+ quilts that are displayed in the show. And a chance to win a beautiful lap quilt. FMI: Jacki Hinton, Virtual Quilt Show Chairman, www.SeabreezeQuiltGuild.com
Announcements
CALL FOR ARTISTS: The Harlow invites artists to submit artwork to The Red Thread of Fate: A Fiber Exhibition. To be on view January 28 - February 26, 2022 at 100 Water Street in Hallowell. Opening reception Friday, February 4 from 4-6. The Red Thread of Fate: A Fiber Exhibition is open to all Maine artists working with fiber. We’re thrilled to have fiber artist, Sara Hotchkiss, as our juror. The deadline for submissions is 11:59pm on January 1, 2022, digital images, entry form and fee must be received on or before this date for preliminary judging. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Other Important dates: JANUARY 8, 2022: Preliminary screening complete and notification of results emailed to artists by this date. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 , 2022, 4pm: Opening Reception. JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 26, 2022: Exhibition on view at the Harlow, 100 Water Street, Hallowell, Maine. Gallery hours: Thursday – Saturday 11-4pm. THEME BACKGROUND: The Red Thread of Fate, also referred to as the Red Thread of Marriage, and other variants, is an East Asian belief originating from Chinese mythology. The two people connected by the red thread are destined lovers, regardless of place, time, or circumstances. This magical cord may stretch or tangle, but never break. This myth is similar to the Western concept of soulmate or a destined partner. In the original Chinese myth, it is tied around both parties' ankles, while in Japanese culture it is bound from a male's thumb to a female's little finger, and in Korean culture, the red thread is thought to be tied around the little finger of both parties. Although in modern times it is common across all three cultures to depict the thread being tied around the fingers, often the little finger. FMI: https://www.harlowgallery.org/post/call-for-art-the-red-thread-of-fate-a-juried-fiber-exhibition.
ART JOBS GRANT. The Maine Arts Commission has announced two new grants to support job creation and the strengthening of the state’s creative workforce. Individual artists and nonprofit organizations are welcome to apply for an Art Jobs Grant, with maximum awards up to $15,000. All applications must be submitted to the Maine Arts Commission by November 18, 2021. FMI: https://mainearts.maine.gov/Postings/Blogs/Detail/Maine-Arts-Commission-Offers-Arts-Job-Grant-to-Strengthen-Creative-Workforce
CAREER TEACHING OPPORTUNITY FOR A WEAVER! The Department of Textiles in the Division of Fine Arts, Rhode Island School of Design, invites applications for a full-time faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor with a focus on weaving to begin fall 2022. One of RISD’s founding departments, the internationally renowned Textile program instructs students in the concept, method and practice of textile art and design. The department has approximately 100 undergraduate and 12 graduate students, 4 full time and 12 -15 part-time faculty offering a two-year MFA degree and a four-year BFA degree. The immersive program builds analytical and critical thinking skills in a curriculum that encompasses a variety of courses in three major areas: knit, woven and printed textiles. FMI: www.risd.edu and to apply: https://careers.risd.edu/postings/2211
26th Annual Sauder Village RUG HOOKING WEEK, August 16-20, 2022. Retreats, workshops, extensive exhibits, exclusive “Celebration Rugs,” vendors. Highlight on Maine artists in 2022; special solo exhibition of hooked work by C. Susan Ferraro of Harpswell, among other events. FMI: 800-509-9755; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; www.saudervillage.org
AT HOME MODERN Weaving Studio announces a Grand Opening celebration, October 2, 2021 from 11-3. 73 High Street Thomaston, ME 04861, 267-237-5413. At Home Modern is the studio of tapestry weaver Bobbie Tilkens-Fisher, weaver, weaving instructor, www.athomemodern.com, https://www.camdenrockland.com/area-events/grand-opening
THE SOUTHERN VERMONT ARTS CENTER in Manchester, Vermont is seeking potential vendors for their Holiday Craft Market, December 4 and 5, 2021. They want to feature artists living and working all across New England. FMI: https://www.svac.org/holiday-market/, Jeremy Chestler 802.367.1310, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR ARTISTS AND ARTS ORGANIZATIONS. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has issued a special notice concerning help for the arts and culture sector. Resources include rental assistance, preventing evictions, mortgage assistance, links to the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Special-Notice-from-the-NEA.html?soid=1103211031308&aid=BkWTgl4w4NQ
MAINE ARTS COMMISSION has video recordings of a webinar and resources on funding for arts organizations and for practicing artists. (Sorry for the hugely long links): https://ushr.zoomgov.com/rec/play/jnviYIyE97lVpkxqTfzzAkoip1xyA_XbhkWmFpdIheNSllED0J9Vn36IKuYMBxUIGZ5nCYxwWyHYfrfw.SvtJUD0KVWtJDjuw?continueMode=true and https://mainearts.maine.gov/Postings/Blogs/Detail/NEA-Distributes-Relief-Funds-to-Help-Arts-and-Culture-Sector-Recover-from-Pandemic
More from Maine Arts Commission:
- NEA Posts Our Town FY2022 Guidelines. National Endowment for the Arts – August 5. Learn more and apply here. https://www.arts.gov/grants/our-town
- NEA ARP Grant Program for Organizations. National Endowment for the Arts – August 12. Learn more and apply here. https://www.arts.gov/grants/american-rescue-plan-grants/american-rescue-plan-grants-to-organizations/program-description
- Artist’s Resource Trust (A.R.T.) Fund. Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation – deadline August 15. Learn more and apply here. http://www.berkshiretaconic.org/bReceivebNonprofitsIndividuals/SearchApplyforGrants/ArtistsResourcetrustARTFundforInd.aspx
- NEH Announces ARPA Funding. National Endowment for the Humanities – Ongoing. Read more here. https://www.neh.gov/news/neh-announces-american-rescue-plan-funding-state-and-jurisdictional-humanities-councils?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
- Share Your Reopening Story. National Endowment for the Arts – Ongoing. Learn more and submit here. https://www.arts.gov/COVID-19/tell-us-your-reopening-story
- Springboard for the Arts Launches Art-Train. Springboard for the Arts – Ongoing. Learn more and register here. https://springboardforthearts.org/art-train/
"Heritage Skills for Contemporary Life: Seasons at the Parris House," a book by member ELIZABETH MILLER. Book Information and a Google book preview: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Heritage_Skills_for_Contemporary_Life/arEjEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover
ARTIST'S RESOURCE TRUST (A.R.T.) FUND. Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation – deadline August 15. The (A.R.T.) Fund provides grants to support the creative work of mid-career visual artists. Grants are available in painting, sculpture, printmaking or mixed media to artists with financial need in Maine and other New England regions. Nonprofit organizations wishing to show, commission or purchase work by mature artists living in New England may also apply. Grants range up to $10,000. FMI: http://www.berkshiretaconic.org/bReceivebNonprofitsIndividuals/SearchApplyforGrants/ArtistsResourcetrustARTFundforInd.aspx
Maine Fiberarts is very sad to mention the passing of one of our dearest member artists, Mary Allen Chaisson. https://www.pressherald.com/2021/04/16/obituarymary-allen-chaisson-2/ Remembering her work here in a 2012 Maine Fiberarts exhibition called "Pioneers" that featured four quilt makers.
Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center seeks artists interested in instructing a fiber arts workshop at their facilities. Email their programs/events coordinator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center, located on the coast of southern Maine offers engaging conferences, retreats, vacations, and youth camp, plus meeting and celebration spaces on our beautiful 32-acre oceanfront campus. Quaint cottages and halls, campsites, sand volleyball court, fire pit, outdoor chapel, beach, dining hall with delicious food and good coffee. Ferry Beach is a welcoming non-profit member organization. One visit to Ferry Beach and you'll know why generations of families and friends love it here! FMI: https://www.ferrybeach.org
Maine Fiberarts member Stephanie Crossman and her revival of the art of knotted netting are the focus of an article in Creative Maine called “Tying the Knot.” FMI: https://creativemainemag.com/stephanie-crossman-netting/
Educational Events (Workshops, Classes, Retreats, Residencies)
PENLAND SCHOOL OF CRAFT, Penland, NC presents two textile classes in their Spring Concentration (March-April 2022): “Body As Armature,” Erika Diamond and “Handweaving: Foundations and Exploration,” Amanda Thatch. “Body as Armature” will create objects for the body that connect conceptually and physically to the body as metaphoric and literal extensions of the self. “We’ll discover how to wear new materials as we mine the personal meaning behind them.” The session on “Handweaving” will “explore both the practical and poetic aspects of creating unique cloth by hand and discover the contemporary possibilities of handweaving.” Scholarships available through December 3, 2021. FMI: www.penland.org
TATTER offers a special new series of workshops on ZOOM: Hand Sewn Quilting Primer Series. A carefully curated, contemporary series to build your confidence and skill with hand-sewn quilt blocks. No machine needed! The development of building quilts through blocks came about as a solution to the cumbersome task of wholly sewing a large blanket from the center to its edges. Building quilts block by block made quilting much more convenient, and led to an absolute explosion in variation of designs and patterns. With six unique teachers, varied approaches even within the same technique, the blocks from each class can then be assembled in any way you wish, to represent a sampler of skills, and would make great pillows or patches for other textiles. Classes include Precise Appliqué with Sarah Nishiura, 3D Quilt Block–Saeksilnubi with Youngmin Lee, Precise Curved Piecing with Tara Faughnan, Improv Appliqué with Heidi Parkes, Improv Patchwork Piecing with Zak Foster, Embroidered Quilt Block with Ekta Kaul. From October 7 through November 11, 2021. FMI: https://www.tatter.org/stitching-classes-index#/handsewn-quilting-primer-series-a-six-week-course
A Wrinkle In Thye Farm offers Ongoing every Tuesday 1-4 pm, no mask required for those fully vaccinated. All levels of experience welcome! Learn to read patterns and fix mistakes. Plan to purchase our yarn and bring your knitting needles (or buy or borrow them here). Show and tell. Enjoy and visit with our friendly fiber circle. Come join us! OPEN STUDIO Needle Felting, Most Fridays, 1-3pm, lease call ahead. Practice basic techniques and create a cute felted image 5x5 inches square. Please call ahead. $30.00 includes wool pattern. PROCESS YOUR OWN FLEECES. Use our space and dedicated equipment to wash, card and dye your wool. We have an older Patrick Green cottage industry carder that can do 8 ounces of wool in 20 minutes. LEARN TO SPIN YARN WITH MARTY. Instruction for Spinning with a wheel in 2 gentle lessons. Marty has developed a plan that has helped beginning spinners have success. Fee: $15.00 per hour, 1-2 hours per lesson. Louet wheels available for rent while you learn. $35.00/month. FMI: A Wrinkle In Thyme Farm, https://www.awrinkleinthymefarm.com, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MSAD 52 wants to host more fiber art classes for their community education program. Please be in touch with Kelly Cabral if you are interested. Kelly Cabral, Marketing & Promotions, MSAD 52 Adult & Community Education, 486 Turner Center Road, Turner, Maine 04282; 207.225.1010 Ext. 2120, www.msad52.maineadulted.org
Fiber News Emails
We will continue to send out our free periodic fiber news email to our list of over 1600 as we compile it. This will take the place of our former online statewide bulletin of fiber events, exhibitions, opportunities, news and more that we have emailed to members or posted on this site for nearly 20 years.
Image Gallery
