Your statewide newsletter for fiber events, exhibitions, opportunities, workshops, news and more. Submit your own news or event of interest to the fiber community using the "Submit Your Own" form below this image gallery.
Current Fiber Bulletin
Current Fiber Bulletin
Calls for Entries
All Species 2018 Call for Art: “Waterways” is an open call art exhibit to benefit the Cathance River Education Alliance, set for June 4th through August 6th in Brunswick Maine. The exhibit “Waterways” is meant to draw attention to our living planet both to celebrate, and to raise awareness of the diversity of species, all of which are affected by our actions and inactions.Entry forms and additional information will be accessible from the Spindleworks website, www.spindleworks.org, or interested artists can email Brian for an application at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (subject line: Waterways submission), or stop by Spindleworks to pick one up. Deadline for entry forms and fee is June 1, 2018.
MUSEUM L-A (Lewiston, Maine) is currently curating a juried summer exhibition called "The Lost Art of Handiwork". We are looking for submissions from artists throughout Maine to submit some of their work to be considered for display during our 3 month exhibit. We are looking for items in the following categories: textiles, woodwork, ceramics, metalwork, and leatherwork. Each person can submit up to three items for consideration. The deadline for submissions is 4/21/18. If you would like more information about the kinds of items we are looking for or are interested in submitted your handiwork for the exhibit, please contact Emma Sieh, Collections and Exhibits Coordinator, for a submission form and information sheet, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-333-3881, https://www.museumla.org/lost-art-of-handiwork
GUILFORD ART CENTER in Guilford CT is looking for artists for the Guilford Craft Expo 2018. In celebration of its 61st year, the Guilford Art Center’s annual Craft Expo 2018 will return once again to the scenic and historic Guilford Green, celebrating the arts. Expo date-July 13-15, 2018. A juried show seeking unique, high quality craft work. FMI: Guilford Art Center, 203-453-5947, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., http://guilfordartcenter.org/expo/craft-expo-interested-in-applying/#applyvisit, Application: zapplication.org
ART WALK LA seeks “artists of all kinds to fill our venues. We are shaking things up and expanding Art Walk LA, which will now take place on the third Friday of the months from May-December…..We’re adding three more art walks to the season and will be rolling out new venues, new maps, and new experiences. Join us!” Use this link to sign up: https://jl28.typeform.com/to/RSUejf
THE ART LOFT, a nonprofit arts center in Rockland seeks artists interested in teaching classes. Competitive hourly rates, display space in the gallery, and free drop-in art classes. FMI: www.artloftrockland.org
Classified Ads and Free Stuff
This listing is 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 at the Professional Level ($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.
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
FREE: Unassembled large floor loom FREE to experienced weaver willing to assemble it! Handmade resembles Glimakra. Will send pix. FMI: Linda, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Events
July 7
KELLOGG CHURCH BARN SALE, Harpswell, 9-2. Laurie Sims will have a table with 15+ suitcases and boxes of Vintage, New and Reclaimed Fabrics; Vintage Baby Things; Antique, Vintage, New and Used Bedding and Table Linens; plus Needlepoint and Embroidery Patterns and Supplies. "Prices negotiable, make me an offer."
Throughout July
Mary McFarland and Jan Royall have extended their SPRING OPEN STUDIO held at the end of June for the month of July at 149 Middle Street in Farmington. Mary has fabric art, potholders, and other gifts, and Jan has some pieces from her “Glass Managerie” series. Stop by. Says Mary, “I have loved fabric for as far back as I can remember… the textures and flexibility, the colors and patterns. It seems there is always something new to try with this medium, from clothing design to fabric art and functional items…..I opened my own clothing shop in Mount Vernon in1977 and spent the last three years in Farmington. After closing the doors in August 2000, I continued making custom clothing, but focused more on ‘Fabric Art.’ One of the larger of these pieces was created for the chapel at Farmington Memorial Hospital in 2005 and is still enjoyed by many people.” FMI: 207-779-1957
July 14-21
Tidal Tours: Islands of Wool Fiber Retreat. Fourth Annual retreat in Machiasport with daily outings, activities, workshops, and down time. Includes a marketplace day by the sea. $675 includes three nights accommodations and meals. FMI: www.onelupine.com/events
July 24
“SLOW FASHION TALK,” with Amy DuFault, 7:15 p.m., Dolphin room in Quillen, on the Ferry Beach Park Association campus in Saco. FMI: www.agatheringofstitches.com
July 25
“CLOTHING SWAP,” sponsored by A Gathering of Stitches, 7:30 p.m., Dolphin Room in Quillen, on the Ferry Beach Park Association campus in Saco.
July 26-28
MAINE QUILTS, Augusta Civic Center, workshops, vendors, Champagne Preview (July 25, 7-9 p.m.), Dinner and Lecture with Nancy Chong (July 27, 5:30 p.m.). “Specimens” Exhibit by Susan Carlson. “All in the Family” from The New England Quilt Museum collection. “Not Patience, Perseverance” Exhibition by Marjorie Lydecker. “Bee Sew Inspired” Challenge. FMI: 207-216-7358; www.mainequilts.org
July 27-29
MAINE CRAFTS GUILD Fine Craft Show, Mount Desert Island, Directions Show, Friday, 5-8; Saturday, 10-5; Sunday, 10-4. MDI High School, 1081 Eagle Lake Road, Bar Harbor, ME. Admission: $5; under 18 free. FMI: www.mainecraftsguild.com
August 11-12
MAINE CRAFTS GUILD Fine Craft Show, United Farmers Market Event Center, Saturday, 9-5; Sunday, 10-4. 18 Spring Street, Belfast, ME. Admission: $3; under 18 free. FMI: www.mainecraftsguild.com
August 11-15
WOOLWAYS: Hurricane Island Fiber Retreat, a getaway for knitters. Guest artists include Kirsten Kapur, NY knitwear designer; Jackie Ottino Graf, natural dyer; and Jodi Clayton, owner of One Lupine/Maine Yarn and Fiber Supply. FMI: www.onelupine.com/events
August 18
BRUNSWICK OUTDOOR ART FESTIVAL, Downtown Brunswick on Maine Street, 04011, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
August 25
PORTLAND FINE CRAFT SHOW, sponsored by Maine Crafts Association, 9-4 along Congress Street between High and State Streets in Portland, Maine. Free and open to the public. FMI: www.mainecrafts.org
August 25
DESIGNING WOMEN 2018 Craft Show, Longfellow’s Greenhouse, Manchester. FMI: www.designingwomen.org
September 8-9
31st annual LAUDHOLM NATURE CRAFTS FESTIVAL, Wells, Maine with 120 artist vendors and thousands of shoppers. FMI: www.wellsreserve.org
September 5-9
FIBER COLLEGE OF MAINE 2018. Searsport, Maine. Vendors, makers market, food, events and classes in knitting, crochet, quilting, hooking, tapestry weaving, Andean weaving, creating sweaters from used knitted garments, wet and needle felting, 3D mixed media forms, masks, fabric painting and dyeing, surface design, Shibori, baskettry, fleece processing, wool combing, fiber blending; plus some woodworking and jewelry classes. Just to mention a few. Volunteer and scholarship opportunities. 207-548-6059, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., www.fibercollege.org/home
SEPTEMBER 15-16
MAINE CRAFTS GUILD Fine Craft Shows, Scarborough Show, 9th Annual. Saturday, 10-5; Sunday, 10-4. Camp Ketcha, 336 Black Point Road, Scarborough, ME. Admission $5; under 18 free. FMI: www.mainecraftsguild.com
September 27-28
MAINE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE ARTS, University of Southern Maine, Portland. Keynote on Rural Arts Development, Maine Artists’ Idea Lab, 20 workshops in 5 tracks, Maine Arts Awards, performances and more. FMI: www.mainearts.com/mica
September 29 & 30
VERMONT SHEEP & WOOL FESTIVAL featuring animals, demonstrations, a marketplace with over 70 vendors, workshops, and producer workshops on small ruminant health and husbandry, fiber production and more. FMI: www.vtsheepandwoolfest.org
September 29-30
HARVEST HOOK-IN 2018 at Jeff's Catering, 15 Littlefield Road, Brewer, Maine. $55 for both days includes lunch and snacks. Shopping, rug hooking, and "fun with friends." Vendors. FMI: www.GreenMountainHookedRugs.com
October 6 & 7
NEW HAMPSHIRE WOOL ARTS TOUR. Farms and studios across NH open to the public and demonstrating. This tour has been happening since 1983. FMI: www.woolartstournh.com
October 27-28
MAINE CRAFTS GUILD, Fine Craft Shows, Brunswick Show, 3rd Annual. Saturday, 10-5; Sunday, 10-4. Fort Andross, 14 Maine Street, Brunswick, ME. Admission: $4; under 18 free. FMI: www.mainecraftsguild.com
October 27
DESIGNING WOMEN 2018 Craft Show, Wells Activity Center, Wells. FMI: www.designingwomen.org
November 2, 3, 4
THE GATHERING, an annual meeting of the Northeast Handspinners Association that is open to the public. At The Raddison in Nashua, NH. FMI: www.nehandspinners.org
November 3 & 4
FIBER FESTIVAL OF NEW ENGLAND, Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA. Saturday, 9-5; Sunday, 9-3. Over 150 exhibitors, fleece sale, sheep shearing, demonstration, workshops and fiber animals. FMI: www.FiberFestival.org
November 3
DESIGNING WOMEN 2018 Craft Show, Husson University, Bangor. FMI: www.designingwomen.org
November 17
DESIGNING WOMEN 2018 Craft Show, Maine Coast Waldorf School, Freeport. FMI: www.designingwomen.org
December 8
DESIGNING WOMEN 2018 Craft Show, Ocean Ave School, Portland. FMI: www.designingwomen.org
Exhibitions
CURRENT AND COMING: ELIZABETH BUSCH ART QUILTS on view at Maine Fiberarts, 13 Main Street, Topsham June 15-August 15, 2018. Meet the Artist Reception: Sunday, July 22, from 2-5 p.m. Gallery hours: Wednesday-Friday, 11-4; Saturday, 11-2. FMI: www.mainefiberarts.org
FULLER CRAFT MUSEUM presents: “Donna Rae Marder: The Cover Up,” June 21-August 18. Marder creates new textiles using resurrected garments from her own family. In this solo exhibition her expansive work reverberates with issues of identity, tradition, authority and comfort. FMI: www.fullercraft.org
“CONTEXT: Language, Media, and Meaning from the Surface Design Association,” October 27, 2018-February 24, 2019. A juried exhibition of work created by members of the Surface Design Association, MA, RI and CT chapters. Juried by Bruce D. Hoffman. FMI: www.fuller.craft.org
HELEN FARNHAM will show her needlefelt work at Markings Gallery, 50 Front Street, Bath during the month of July. Meet the Artist: Friday, July 20, 5-7 p.m.
ABBY ROBINSON: ON WOMEN ARTISTS, an exhibit of work during the month of October in the Morrell Meeting Room of Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick. Show includes masks, block prints, and descriptions about women artists. Reception and talk about the artists yet to be arranged and announced.
MEMBERS BIENNIAL EXHIBITION, 2018 at Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, MA, April 14-October 7, 2018 “showcasing stunning works of ceramics, glassware, furniture, textiles, basketry, wood turning, jewelry, and other craft-based media.” Opening Reception: Sunday, May 20, 2-5 p.m. Juried by Sadie Bliss, Executive Director, Maine Crafts Association. FMI: www.fullercraft.org
PINE TREE QUILTERS GUILD presents the Maine Quilt Show at the Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive, Augusta, Maine, July 26-28, 2018; preview night Wednesday, July 25. 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., http://mainequilts.org
The exhibit “WATERWAYS” is meant to draw attention to our living planet both to celebrate, and to raise awareness of the diversity of species on our planet! This will be the 8th annual All Species exhibit, which has drawn artists from across Maine and across the country. This year we have chosen the Cathance River Education Alliance to receive the funds raised. We recognize the important role that this organization plays in educating the public and protecting species in our local community. 30% from each sale will be donated to this important and well-loved local organization. "Waterways" will be on display at Frontier Café, 14 Maine Street, Brunswick, from June 4–August 6, 2018. FMI: Details are available at www.spindleworks.org
Meet-Ups
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.
BEE ON THE FARM—a gathering of knitters, quilters, hookers, and other hand-workers of all sorts and skill levels—meets once per month in Newcastle in the bucolic setting of Dandelion Spring and Straw Farm, 30 Brick Hill Road, Newcastle. Email Jess for 2018 dates. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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: Jane Flanagan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mainelyweavers/info
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!
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.
Member News and Letters
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/.
BARBARA BURNS, Maine Fiberarts' member and tapestry weaver/teacher, has begun a new blog to offer tools you need to promote your work in a professional manner. "I don’t presume to know all the answers, but I would like to share with you the information and resources I have been compiling along with occasional insights from my personal experiences." http://americantapestryalliance.org/blog/
BARBARA BURNS was interviewed by TextileCurator.com. See it here: http://www.textilecurator.com/home-default/home-2-2/barbara-burns
JANET CONNER writes the following: Dear RUG HOOKING friends, colleagues, students, teachers and hooking artists, Can you please help me with a big project/dream of mine that has been percolating for at least a decade? My mission is to write a book for rug hookers that illustrates the great design resource of ART HISTORY....the whole timeline from Prehistoric to Post Modern, with forays into Asian, Oceanic, Native American, African, and Aboriginal Australian images. I NEED PHOTOGRAPHS of your great rugs which have been adapted or inspired by fine art and indigenous tribal design. Ideally, I would love to have several rugs representing each major movement in Art History. Each section of the book will contain information about the art of that period and its relevance for rug hookers, along with technical hints for hooking in that style. Because I have specialized in teaching American Folk Art and Post Impressionism (especially Van Gogh), these categories are already well filled. It would be fantastic to receive submissions of your work!!! By email please, to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Submissions should be: well photographed; include your written permission to publish in the future (it is okay if it has been previously “seen,” “shown,” or published.... this will be a new context); include title and date of the fine art piece (or style) referenced; include descriptive notes by YOU about materials used, dimensions in inches, your name and town, year completed and what inspired you to hook this piece; and include any additional info, story, etc. you would like readers to know about you and your work. Don’t have any Art History inspired rugs in your portfolio, but would be willing to MAKE ONE??? (by January 1, 2019)?? Email me if you would like suggestions, help drawing a design, or if you know a hooker. With your generous help and kindness, I hope to fulfill this dream--only possible with lots of networking and communication within the rug hooking community. Thank you, thank you! —Janet Conner, PO Box 224, Hiram, ME 04041, www.jconnerhookedrugs.com, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 207-625-3325
Member SARAH HASKELL writes that she has two pieces in the Juried Member's Exhibition, Fuller Craft Member's Biennial at Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, MA. One piece has been selected for a jurors award. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MARIANNE SENECHAL writes: "Studio to Share in Bath, ME; available immediately (April 1, 2018). I am looking for an artist to share my studio on upper Front Street in Bath. The total studio is nearly 450 square feet in size and the portion available for a co-renter is over 150 square feet; doors separate this portion of the studio from the rest of the space. The shared studio space also has a private bathroom. The studio is on the second floor, no lift, stairs only. $200/month plus utilities (about $20 per month). I am a feltmaker. The studio has good natural light and would be good for a painter, mixed media artist, sculptor or fiber artist. I can’t have open flame in the studio (so most jewelers would probably be out); the floors are carpeted, and the studio is on the second floor, so wet or dusty work (like ceramics) would also not be a good fit. FMI: Marianne Senechal, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-751-0766.
NINA RUIT of Ruit Farm in Bristol has been awarded the Craft Apprenticeship Program award for 2018 as one of only two pairs succeeding. The program is sponsored by Maine Crafts Association and Maine Arts Commission. Nina will be the apprentice working with her mentor, Nancy Giesberger of Round Pond, who is an extremely accomplished weaver. The pair will work together during 2018 with an exhibition showing the fruits of their labor scheduled for the Fall. See the lead image on our current Bulletin’s “Winter 2018 Image Gallery” on this website for a view of Nina’s working studio.
We like your letters, and your news. Keep them coming.
News
Artist Marlene Ekola Gerberick passed away in May of 2018. She held a studio in Bath for many years and created paintings, mixed media sculptures, artist books and more. Christine Macchi had the pleasure of interviewing Marlene about her life and work for a photo story that appears on our Fiber Folio. See the piece at http://folio.mainefiberarts.org/studio-of-marlene-gerberick/
Friends with summer 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. Copies also for sale at Gulf of Maine books in Brunswick, Markings Gallery in Bath, and the Center for Maine Craft in West Gardiner.
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
OVER THE RAINBOW yarn shop, owned by Mim Bird and located in Rockland, closed in February 2018. See the website to learn of Mim’s plans for the future.
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
Opportunities
Sign-ups for the MAINE CRAFT WEEKEND, October 13 & 14, 2018 are being accepted at www.mainecraft.org. See the website also for a listing of 2018 Jury dates.
CRAFTBOSTON issues a Call for Entry: one jury fee, two shows. Deadline: September 10, 2018. CraftBoston Spring and Holiday 2019 seek craft artists to apply. FMI: www.CraftBoston.org
MONSON ARTS, a new residency program in Monson, Maine is currently accepting residencies during the following dates: October 7 - November 3, 2018 and November 11 - December 8. The deadline to apply is July 7, 2018 and there is an application fee of $25. Residencies are four weeks long and include private studio space, a private bedroom in shared houseing, all meals and a stipend of $1,000. The program is open to artists and writers in all stages in their careers working in all media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, film, video, new media, installation, fiction and nonfiction writing, poetry, and audio production. FMI: www.monsonarts.org
PENLAND SCHOOL OF CRAFTS issues a call for applications for scholarships for 8-week concentrations. Apply by August 1, 2018 for this Fall. Work Study, Special Work-Study, Studio Assistants, and Standby are some of the scholarships offered. FMI: www.penland.org/workshops
MAINE CRAFT WEEKEND, October 13 & 14, 2018 signups are accepted at www.mainecraft.org See the website also for a listing of 2018 Jury dates.
BOOTHBAY HARBOR FEST welcomes applications for two creative events that will take place in September in East Boothbay, Maine. Both events are part of Boothbay Harbor Fest, a 10 day festival missioned to showcase and promote our small business community. The East Side Vibe Vendor Market will feature artists of all kinds, handmade and local products, vintage and repurposed. The 5th annual Fishin' For Fashion show will feature original designs made with materials from the marine industry. Applications for both are available upon request. The dates are September 8 and 9, 2018. FMI: Lori Reynolds 207-671-7676, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., www.BoothbayHarborFest.com, www.VintageMarketMaine.com
INTERWEAVE ESCAPES KNITTING RETREAT: Stowe, VT, May 31-June 3, 2018. “An Exploration of Reversible Cables, Lace and Beads,” with Laura Nelkin and “Introduction to Twined Knitting,” with Beth Brown-Reinsel. Held at the Trapp Family Lodge. FMI: www.interweave.com
HARLOW GALERY seeks Workshop Proposals for its Second Sunday program. Visual artists, craftspeople and writers are encouraged to propose a workshop. FMI: www.harlowgallery.org
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—to get yourself listed FREE. See "Do You Teach Fiber Art?" on our Home Page or follow this link to sign up.
LOOKING FOR ARTISTS TO PRESENT WORKSHOPS, demonstrations or lectures to small groups of "Gifted and Talented" students. The Gifted and Talented Coordinator/Teacher RSU#12 Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit in Somerville, Maine, announces that they have a fully functioning Visual and Performing Arts element as part of the gifted and talented program via the Maine Department of Education's state mandate. Right now they are looking for local Maine artists and craftspeople to give a short workshop (demonstration and lecture) about their work to very small groups of GIFTED YOUNG VISUAL ARTISTS (age 9-14) at the Chelsea and/or Windsor Elementary Schools. FMI: https://sites.google.com/a/svrsu.org/gifted-and-talented/, 207-549-3261, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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.
MOOSEHEAD LAKE REGION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION has created an "Artisan Village," made up of little cottages on the waterfront in Greenville, Maine. They are offered for rent to artists for a weekend or a week at a time during the warmer months to showcase and share their talent with the vacationing public and to make sales. The fee is $75/week or $30/weekend. Each cottage is 10’x8’ with a 10’x4’ covered front porch, security lock, windows on two sides, an exterior porch light, an interior track light, two electrical outlets, a trash receptacle, and broom. Participating artists provide their own tables, chairs, and display units. The cottages will be open on weekends only from Saturday, May 26 through Sunday, June 24 and again from Saturday, September 15 through Sunday, October 14 during the summer’s “shoulder” season. They will be open each week from Thursday through Monday from June 28 through September 10. An artist may lease a cottage for a term of one weekend or one week; the maximum number of weeks and/or weekends is four. Although there are no overnight accommodations provided at the cottages, a list of low-cost options for lodging will be provided on request. Applications will be reviewed throughout the winter months to ensure there is always a variety of high quality offerings at any one time. FMI and Application: https://www.mooseheadartisanvillage.com/application.html; or Artisan Village Coordinator, PO Box 223, Greenville, ME 04441, 207-280-0855; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., https://www.mooseheadartisanvillage.com
SKIDOMPHA LIBRARY in Damariscotta has a small gallery, The Carey Gallery, and artists are welcome to hang work there for one month. FMI: Pam Gormley, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
STUDIO SPACE: Marianne Senechal, feltmaker, Arcady Designs in Bath, Maine is looking for an artist who wants to share her studio on upper Front Street in Bath. Available immediately. Total studio is nearly 450 square feet with the portion available for a co-renter over 150 square feet, separated by doors. Private bathroom, second floor, no lift, stairs only. $200/month plus utilities (about $20 per month). FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Registration for THE MAINE FIBER FROLIC is now open and available. FMI: Cindy Arnold, Vendor Coordinator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 207-449-6850; http://fiberfrolic.com/app.shtml
MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association) announces exhibitor applications for the 2018 COMMON GROUND COUNTRY FAIR. They are also seeking proposals for offering a presentation at the fair (deadline April 6). FMI: www.mofga.org; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Also, MOFGA has also launched a search for its next Executive Director.
HARLOW GALLERY invites artists to submit artwork to be considered for “TACTILE,” an open call juried exhibition of art incorporating processes traditionally used in the field of textiles. Tactile will be on view September 7-29, 2018 at the Harlow Art Center, 100 Water Street in Hallowell. Submissions will be juried by Harlow Gallery staff as well as by textile artists Betsy Cook and Sally Wagley. The deadline for email submissions is August 1, 2018, 11:59 p.m. “‘Tactile’ will pay homage to the decorative, domestic and utilitarian roots of textile art, while emphasizing the application of textile techniques for the purpose of communication and expression. Such techniques include (but are not limited to) stitching, weaving, knitting, crocheting, pleating, and felting. Tactile aims to feature work both large and small, 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional, abstract and representational, made of synthetic as well as natural materials, made by hand as well as by machine, ‘pure’ textile as well as mixed with other media.” FMI on guidelines and fees: http://harlowgallery.org/call-for-art-tactile/#prettyPhoto
TRASH-TO-FASHION SHOW, University of Maine, Presque Isle, April 20, 6 p.m., Campus Center. Open to all artists, designers, students and community members. $5 per entry and suggested $5 ticket price. Studio 923 UMPI Art Club seeks entries now. FMI: www.umpi.edu; 207-768-9441
Resources
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.
If you teach fiber art of any kind, be sure to sign up for a FREE listing in our new LEARNING FIBER ART: A Guide to Maine Teaching Resources.
Submit Your Own
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.
Your Bulletin Item or Ad
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.
Thank You
Thank you to BANGOR SAVINGS BANK for sponsoring our exhibition for Elizabeth Busch! Your support is very much appreciated!
To the BELVEDERE FUND FOR EXCELLENCE IN HANDCRAFTS, a program of the Maine Community Foundation for a grant that will update Maine Fiberarts’ technology systems and our ability to present works of art and craft.
To our AMAZING BENEFACTOR, who wishes to remain anonymous, and who will support Maine Fiberarts with a check for $12,500 during 2018 if we can match it. Thank you to all who gave towards this match last year. We raised $25,000 during 2017 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 2017 and into 2018 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, Katharine Watson, 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, Margaret Burnham Charitable Trust, Morton-Kelly Charitable Fund, Maine Office of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts for support during 2017 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
Workshops and Classes
FULLER CRAFT MUSEUM hosts “Dyeing to Wear It,” with Rhonda Fazio, July 14, 1-4 p.m. Create your own silk scarf, bow tie or ascot during this class. FMI: www.fullercraft.org
HALCYON YARN hosts classes for Summer 2018 in: Two-At-A-Time Socks, Knitting 102: Basic Hat, Magic Loop, Rigid Heddle Weaving, Basic Macrame Bracelet, A Lecture on the History of Knitting (August 9), Why Ply?, Sprang: An Ancient Forerunner of Knitting, and Basic Socks. FMI:. www.halcyonyarn.com
SARA HOTCHKISS offers a tapestry rug weaving workshop July 10-12. Sara does all fabric and loom prep work after students offer input on design and color. Then, students do the weaving and finishing under Sara’s tutelage. Lunches provided and a 24x36” rug results. FMI: www.sarahotchkiss.com
MAINE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE ARTS, hosted by Maine Arts Commission, September 27-28. Twenty sessions in five key areas: leveraging investment, building capacity, visibility of the arts and cultural sector, arts education and lifelong learning, and promoting cultural tourism. Early bird price: $100 (before July 14), thereafter $125. FMI: www.mainearts.com/MICA
MERRYMEETING ADULT EDUCATION lists Summer 2018 classes: “Darling Needle-Felted Animal or Bird,” “Artful Lettering,” “Comic Book Illustration,” Hand Piecing and Hand Quilting,” plus many others. FMI: www.merrymeeting.org
ARTIST BOOK INTENSIVE 2018 with Abbie Read, Cynthia McGuirl, and Sandy Weisman at 26 Split Rock Cove, South Thomaston, Maine. August 3-5, 2018; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Gelatin Prints, Stab Bindings, Paper Marbling, Coptic Binding and Hardbound Binding. Sponsored by Midcoast Book Arts. Maximum 8 participants each day. All skill levels welcome. Bring your own lunch; drinks provided. CMCA members receive a 10% discount. To register: http://26splitrockcove.com. Detailed Info: https://mailchi.mp/be90240c4145/summer-artist-book-intensive-2143789?e=1bf1ec0c14
CONVERGENCE: International Fiber Arts Conference, July 6-12, 2018, Reno, NV. Organized by the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. Marketplace, art exhibits, TWIST meeting, networking sessions, yardage exhibit, basketry exhibit, community fun weave, fashion show with awards, “Artists of Nevada,” kitchen towel exchange, plus workshops. Tour: “Behind the Scenes of Reno’s Art Community: Burning Man, Costume Design and Wind Sculptures.” FMI: www.WeaveSpinDye.org
FIBER COLLEGE OF MAINE 2018. Wednesday, September 5, 2018 - Sunday, September 9, 2018. Searsport, Maine. Registration open. Vendors, makers market, food, events and classes in knitting, crochet, quilting, hooking, tapestry weaving, Andean weaving, creating sweaters from used knitted garments, wet and needle felting, 3D mixed media forms, masks, fabric painting and dyeing, surface design, Shibori, baskettry, fleece processing, wool combing, fiber blending; plus some woodworking and jewelry classes. Just to mention a few. Volunteer and scholarship opportunities. http://www.fibercollege.org/home, General Schedule, Workshop List, Teacher Bios. 207-548-6059, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
HAYSTACK 2018 Summer Conference is entitled “Sustainability: Impulses, Models, and Practices,” July 8-12. Nine presenters with backgrounds in art and design, fashion, education, anthropology, biology, community organizing, and critical writing. “Their work models the potential for creative practices to make meaningful connections between people and to serve as a catalyst for change.” Registration deadline: June 1. FMI: www.haystack-mtn.org
HAYSTACK 2018 OPEN DOOR, October 5-8, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, Maine hosts a fiber class in “Hand Tufting” with Dee Clements (www.studioherron.com). Also, workshops in blacksmithing, ceramics, metals, graphics, wood, and writing. Participants must be at least 18 years old and a Maine resident. Application deadline: August 20. FMI: www.haystack-mtn.org
JILL VENDITUOLI of Sunnyfield Studio Needlework Design in West Newfield, Maine is offering design classes, throughout 2018. Class 1: “Abstract Design,” requires no art training. You will use the Continental stitch and your own palette in an instructional setting. Class 2: “Color,” focuses on the selection and use of color in a Vortex design. Class 3: “Advanced Design,” April 2018, (date TBD), will focus on developing stitching skills and learning to incorporate form and mixed media techniques. Class 4: “Advanced Stitches,” in May 2018 (TBD), will allow students to expand their knowledge of stitches and create a design using 4-8 stitch patterns of the student’s own choosing. Class is limited to eight students. FMI: Jill Vendituoli; jillavendituoli.com; 207-793-2504
KNIT MAINE, September 6-9, 2018 at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Nationally-recognized designers and instructors including: Nora Gaughan, Kristen Tendyke, Katharine Cobey, Gale Zucker, Kate Atherley, Patty Lyons and others. Instruction, meals and lodging. For fees and registration information, see: www.knittingandyogaadventures.com
MAINE COAST SURFACE DESIGN WORKSHOPS offers two sessions: June 22-24, 2018, three days using many surface design and mixed media techniques to create exciting designs in paper and fabric. Second session: July 20-22, 2018. Three days of creating new ideas using various surface design techniques on paper and fabric. Make your own Coptic-stitched journal to record your ideas along with other exciting projects. FMI: Beth Berman, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., https://mainecoastsurfacedesign.blogspot.com/
MAINE COLLEGE OF ART Continuing Studies Program offers Summer 2018 classes: “Beginning Graphic Design,” “Intro to Black and White Film Photography,” “Sampler: Paper, Fiver, Print and Stitch,” “Sketchbooks: Cultivating a Daily Practice,” “Book Arts: Paper and Stitch,” “Introduction to draping for Apparel Design,” “Painting Monhegan: Early Summer Retreat,” “Tunnel Books and Paper Dioramas.” FMI: www.meca.edu
MAINE MEDIA WORKSHOPS + COLLEGE has a Book Arts Program with workshops in: letterpress, photopolymer platemaking, book binding, alternative book structures, good design and layout, and digital book design. FMI: www.mainemedia.edu
MORGAN ART OF PAPERMAKING CONSERVATORY AND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION offers workshops in book arts, bookbinding, printmaking, letterpress, papermaking and mixed media. Also, classes in encaustic, natural dyeing, Suminagashi marbling, Celtic weave binding, upscaling for papermaking, embedding in handmade papers, printed books, woodblocks, miniature bookbinding, cake box books, concertinas with slipcase, paste papers and many more. Send for their extensive catalog: 1754 East 47th Street, Cleveland, OH 44103; 216-361-9255; www.morganconservatory.org
NEW VENTURES offers free entrepreneurship training in: Building Confidence, Career Planning, My Money Works, Pursuing Your Passion; Work for Yourself at 50+, Your Next Career Move, Business Basics, Tax Prep for the Self-Employed. FMI: www.newventuresmaine.org
ONE LUPINE FIBERARTS/MAINE YARN & FIBER SUPPLY hosts the "Fourth Annual Tidal Tours: Islands of Wool Retreat" in Machiasport, July 14-17 or July 18-21, 2018; and "Woolways Retreat: Hurricane Island," August 11-15. FMI: http://onelupine.com/classes/, http://onelupine.com/events/; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-992-4140
OLDS COLLEGE MASTERS LEVELS WEAVING AND SPINNING COURSES IN NOVA SCOTIA. Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Cape Breton. Master Weavers Level One, May 28-June 1 (deadline to register April 28); Master Weavers Level Two, June 4-June 8 (deadline to register May 4); Master Spinners Level One, Sept 10-Sept 14 (deadline to register August 10). Link to register for Master Spinners. Link to register for Master Weavers. FMI: www.gaeliccollege.edu or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PAINTING WITH TEXTILE PAINTS ON FABRIC at Natasha Kempers-Cullen’s colorful studio, Saturdays: August 11, 18, and 25, and September 8 and 15, 2018, 10 am 'til about 4 pm. BYOB lunch, sun tea and seltzer water provided. Dark chocolate always welcome! Fees: $40 for one day, $70 for two days. Things you could make with your unique painted fabrics: dinner napkins, table runners, t-shirts,designer pillows, pieces for art quilts, the list is endless.... To register call Natasha (207-406-2640) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A supply list will be provided when you sign up, Register by july 25!
PENLAND SCHOOL OF CRAFTS offers 2018 summer workshops in textiles: “Kalamkari,” a traditional Indian drawing, printing, and dye process, with Lavanya Mani; “Weaving Origami and Other Dimensional Possibilities,” Susie Taylor; “Embroidered Portraiture,” Ruth Miller; “Pattern & Motif: Warp Ikat with Natural Dyes,” Wendy Weiss; “Denim: Fabric of Resistance,” Anna Toth; “Weaving Ideas,” Maria Davila and Eduardo Portillo; “Plant to Print,” Christina Roberts; “Sculptural Fibers,” Gabrielle Duggan; “Natural Dyes & Quilting: Expanding on Tradition,” Kim Eichler-Messmer; “Mixed Media: Conversations with Nature,” Kyoung Ae Cho; “Color onto Cloth: Printing on Silk & Wool,” Jane Keith; “Pushing Tapestry,” Susan Iverson; “Sculpting with Fiber Techniques in Wire,” Lindsay Ketterer Gates; and “Weaving Traditional Linens,” Cassie Dickson. Also classes in printmaking, letterpress, book arts, photography, paper and much more. Registration opened January 8. FMI: www.penland.org; 828-765-2359
SUSAN MILLS offers feltmaking workshops at her studio in Bowdoin in felting and mixed media. FMI: www.susanmillsstudio.com. To see photos of a visit to her studio, see: www.mainefiberfolio.com
SCHOODIC ARTS FOR ALL, announces August 2018 Classes with a fiber focus: "Needle Felted Journal Covers" and "Needle Felted Medallions," Thursday, August 9, "Felted Gnomes" and "Felted Greeting Cards," Friday, August 10, "Felting Pictures with Kids," Saturday August 11, taught by Jessica Peill-Meininghaus, at Women's Club. Shibori "Japanese Tie-Dyeing," Wednesday, August 8, at Peninsula School Cafeteria with Diana Quinn. "Silk scarf Painting" Friday August 3, at Women's Club with Leanne Nickon. "The magic of Indigo" dyeing, Sunday August 5, at Darthia Farm with Cynthia Thayer. FMI: www.schoodicartsforall.org, 427 Main Street, Winter Harbor, ME, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SUMMER BOOKS ARTS PROGRAM 2018, July 30-August 5, Wishcamper Center for the Book, USM Campus, Portland. Spend seven days in Portland studying Book Arts. Topics include generating color and collage, botanical contact printing, letter forms, and a final lecture, panel discussion and exhibition of students’ work. FMI: 207-780-5230
Address
Maine Fiberarts
Gallery and
The Red Studio
13 Main Street
Topsham, ME 04086
207-721-0678
Gallery Hours
Gallery Hours:
Wednesday-Friday 11-4
Saturday 11-2 (Starting June 16, 2018)
Fiber Fridays
First Friday of the month
10-noon
Donate
Help support the work of Maine Fiberarts on behalf of Maine fiber artists, craftspeople, producers and promoters. While sign ups for our email list and map are free, all our programs rely on memberships. Please consider a donation or join us as a member of Maine Fiberarts:
Latest Map Entries
-
Maine Coast Surface Design Workshops
The Art Greenhouse in Searsport, Maine is a center for developing visual and experiential creative
...17 Mount Ephraim Road, Searsport, Maine, 04974United States -
Braid A Rug
I teach rug braiding from beginners to the advanced stage. I teach continuous or butted rug
...426 Little River Road, Lebanon, Maine, 04027United States -
The Eternal Knot
Original Hand Embroidered Designs with a focus on creating unique and colorful items that are also
...67 Sunset Point Road, Harrington, Maine, 04643United States
layout Settings
image
- type - image
- responsive_classes - content
- link - 0
- fullwidth - 1
- resize - 1
- crop_width - 2000
- crop_height - 100%
- crop_type - crop
- dimensions - 0
- shape - square
- placeholder - 0
- placeholder_path -
- style - none
- hover_effect - no-hover-effect
- display - block
- alignment - left
lightbox Settings
- transition - zoom-in
- counter - 0
- gallery - 0
- title - 0
- close - 0
- video - 0
- text - 0
- strip_text_images - 0
- fulltext - 0
- strip_fulltext_images - 0
- twitter - 0
- twitter_user -
- facebook - 0
- pinterest - 0
- gplus - 0
- enable - 0
Display Settings
- backstretch_height - 100%
- backstretch_duration - 30000
- backstretch_fade - 900
- navigation - 0
- thumbs - 0
- backstretch_thumb_width - 30
- backstretch_thumb_height - 30
