Fibers & Weaving
The imagination can be freed working with textiles, where fiber art techniques such as shibori, batik, silk-painting, or block-printing can be adapted from global traditions, cultural symbolism, or the human imperative for mark-making.
And our 50 floor looms, located on the two floors of the Priest's House on the Ursuline Campus, are considered to be the largest teaching collection in the U.S., and are enjoyed by an active community of adult student weavers..
Tuition Assistance
A limited number of scholarships for tuition assistance are available for classes in the Fibers Department. Adults interested in studying fibers may apply for tuition assistance by contacting Barbara Hill.
Fibers & Weaving Material List
Materials List
Classes not listed here will either have required materials in the class description, discuss needed materials during the first class, or the materials will be supplied.
REGISTER NOW
Course details (meeting times, tuition, etc.) are listed below.
Fibers Course Descriptions
These are the course descriptions only.
2001 | Introduction to Weaving
Level: Beginning | Instructor: Nancy Heneghan
Dates: Thurs, 9/23/2021 to 12/2/2021 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Studio: Maxham Fibers Studio, 2nd Floor | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $290.00 | Friends: $275.00 | Sessions: 10
Learn the fundamentals of weaving on a four-shaft loom. This foundation class focuses on loom set up, understanding basic weave patterns (plain weave and twill variations), double weave construction and material considerations. Creating sound structure and developing good weaving habits will be emphasized. Reading drafts will also be covered. Each student will have the exclusive use of a floor loom for the semester. A supply list will be provided at the first session. Note: This class is a prerequisite to 2002 On-Loom Weaving Studio Projects.
2002a | On-Loom Weaving Studio Projects
Level: Intermediate/Advanced | Instructor: Nancy Heneghan
Dates: Mon, 9/20/2021 to 11/22/2021 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Studio: Maxham Fiber Studio, 1st & 2nd Floor | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $295.00 | Friends: $280.00 | Sessions: 10
This program is designed for intermediate and advanced student-artists who wish to pursue their own direction in weaving. Acquiring new structural and manual skills and exploring new materials will be emphasized. Individual planning sessions along with some group instruction will allow students to proceed at their own pace. Each weaver will have exclusive use of one of the Fibers Department's large collection of floor looms and three-week use of the dye lab. Prior to registering: Students must contact the Fibers Department, cgalloway@swsart.org, by July 28; and if approved, students will be contacted by e-mail on or before Aug 1 and must register by Sep 10. The instructor reserves the right to restrict enrollment. Prerequisite: Introduction to Weaving or equivalent experience.
2002b | On-Loom Weaving Studio Projects
Level: Intermediate/Advanced | Instructor: Deborah Harrison
Dates: Tues, 9/21/2021 to 11/23/2021 | 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Studio: Maxham Fiber Studio, 1st & 2nd Floor | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $295.00 | Friends: $280.00 | Sessions: 10
This program is designed for intermediate and advanced student-artists who wish to pursue their own direction in weaving. Acquiring new structural and manual skills and exploring new materials will be emphasized. Individual planning sessions along with some group instruction will allow students to proceed at their own pace. Each weaver will have exclusive use of one of the Fibers Department's large collection of floor looms and three-week use of the dye lab. Prior to registering: Students must contact the Fibers Department, cgalloway@swsart.org, by July 28; and if approved, students will be contacted by e-mail on or before Aug 1 and must register by Sep 10. The instructor reserves the right to restrict enrollment. Prerequisite: Introduction to Weaving or equivalent experience.
2002c | On-Loom Weaving Studio Projects
Level: Intermediate/Advanced | Instructor: Deborah Harrison
Dates: Wed, 9/22/2021 to 11/24/2021 | 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Studio: Maxham Fiber Studio, 1st & 2nd Floor | Building: Tobin Building
Tuition: $295.00 | Friends: $280.00 | Sessions: 10
This program is designed for intermediate and advanced student-artists who wish to pursue their own direction in weaving. Acquiring new structural and manual skills and exploring new materials will be emphasized. Individual planning sessions along with some group instruction will allow students to proceed at their own pace. Each weaver will have exclusive use of one of the Fibers Department's large collection of floor looms and three-week use of the dye lab. Prior to registering: Students must contact the Fibers Department, cgalloway@swsart.org, by July 28; and if approved, students will be contacted by e-mail on or before Aug 1 and must register by Sep 10. The instructor reserves the right to restrict enrollment. Prerequisite: Introduction to Weaving or equivalent experience.
2004 | Tapestry Weaving
Level: All Levels | Instructor: Liza Collins
Dates: Sat & Sun, 10/2/2021 to 10/3/2021 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Studio: Student Lounge | Building: Urschel Building
Tuition: $180.00 | Friends: $165.00 | Sessions: 2
This intensive two-day class will lead students step-by-step through traditional flat tapestry weaving techniques. Tapestry is the most basic of weave structures but offers the artist a wide range of visual possibilities. Students will learn how to prepare a warp and weave simple shapes. The class is designed for both beginners and those with experience wishing to refresh their skills. Looms and materials will be provided; please bring a lunch both days.
2154 | Basic Feltmaking
Level: All Levels | Instructor: Liza Collins
Dates: Sat, 11/13/2021 to 11/13/2021 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Studio: Droste Design Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Tuition: $135.00 | Friends: $120.00 | Sessions: 1
Feltmaking is widely considered to be one of the oldest and simplest processes for creating fabric and textile forms. Applications can be functional or decorative, even conceptual with infinite creative possibilities from hangings, garments, jewelry, and more. It is a wondrously versatile fabric as it can be made as light and fragile as a piece of lace or strong and durable enough to make into a dwelling. The technique is quick and easy to grasp. Through the simple layering of wool fiber, a little soapy water and a generous amount of friction, magic happens! This class will cover all aspects of wet feltmaking techniques, including flat felted fabrics and simple three-dimensional forms. Includes most materials, see SSA website for a list of supplies; please bring a bag lunch.