My long-time desire to forge meaningful connections among fiber artists led me to take on the job of NYS rep for the Surface Design Association two years ago.
I’ve been working on program ideas that could increase interest in SDA membership. On Saturday, September 11, SDA New York successfully launched a pilot program, “SDA at SU Fiber Lovers Day” at Syracuse University that was open to all who were interested in attending.
Partnering with the wonderful Eileen Gosson on the Surface Pattern Design faculty, we planned a day packed with tours, exhibits and presentations.
Mary Giehl, faculty, chats with the group about the fiber program in the SU surface design classroom.
Illuminated weaving by SU undergrad Elin Sandberg.
MFA student Holland Webster gave a brief talk about this installation, which she and a fellow grad student completed over the summer, based on a study of pods and pod shapes, for the 150 foot hallway of the Shaffer Building.
Installation detail. The student work was inspiring.
After a break for lunch, presentations in the afternoon included grad students Jooyoung Ha, Caitlin Foley and Holland Webster and SU Fiber and Surface pattern Design faculty Sarah Saulson, Anne Cofer, Mary Giehl and Eileen Gosson. Jan Navales, shown here, a local artist, also spoke about making a living in fiber art.
We closed the day with attendees introducing their work, then enjoyed the reception and opening for “”Pliable Planes: Cloth and Beyond” at the Warehouse Gallery.
It was an exceptional day. Wish you could have joined us!
Wow! I had no idea this program was at SU.
ReplyDeleteHi Gerrie, it's not a large fiber program, but it's definitely a strong one. They currently have seven undergrad majors and four MFA students in fiber and of course other students love to take fiber-related couses as electives.
ReplyDeleteNext time you're in town, check it out.
This sounds wonderful Jeanne. A great place for it too. My ex-husband now deceased got his MFA in Sculpture at SU so we were there for two years. I took a few painting and ceramics classes. I'm sure it's all different now though.
ReplyDeleteYes there's nothing quite like a college atmosphere at the beginning of the fall semester, Suki. You must have some interesting memories of your time there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this- I was a weaving student back at SU in the (early) 60's and it is so cool to see how the program has developed since those days! I can't remember my teacher's name any longer (lucky I can remember my own!) but she and that little weaving studio changed my life! Wish I could have been there to take part in this amazing day.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy, it must have been an exceptional time and place to study weaving. You would have greatly enjoyed the confidence, focus and articulateness of the students we met there, too.
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