Following a Thread: Weaving Exhibition Explores ‘the North’
On Friday, March 17th, North Suburban Center for the Arts (NSCA) hosted the opening reception of our latest exhibition, Weaving the North. This exhibition is a collaboration with the Scandinavian Weavers Study Group of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota and features fiber art from artists working in northern climates, both here in Minnesota and internationally.
Weaving the North shines a light on fiber art from over forty artists, ranging from traditional Scandinavian techniques to experimental approaches in both dimensionality and materials.
Memories of rag rugs covering hardwood floors in Finland, childhood images of Minnesota’s north shore, summer gardens, and skiers in the Iron Range are just a few of the influences that inspired the artwork hanging on the walls.
Weaving the North also takes an expansive approach in its understanding of weaving as a practice. Artists like Cynthia Gipple and Sarah Peterson offer a look into basketry’s role in the vocabulary of weaving. Found objects, natural materials, and literary influences enrich these already complex objects. Other artists, like Allyson Rousseau and Cyndi Walter, offer paper as a medium for weaving and shine a light on the versatility and potential of the process.
At the opening reception, awards were given to the following artists for their remarkable efforts in concept and technique: Lisa Torvik (Horda 3rd Gen), Robbie LaFleur (Burn 2020), and Jes Reyes (Peak).
During opening weekend, local textile artist Becka Rahn hosted mini tapestry workshops while members of the Scandinavian Weavers Study Group, Lisa-Anne Bauch and Nancy Ebner, demonstrated different weaving techniques in the gallery. This hands-on approach allowed visitors a chance to ask questions, experiment, and see the medium in an entirely new way. And, Up North Coffee kept everyone cozy with samples of their locally roasted blends.
The exhibition also features an artist booklet detailing interviews of the majority of the artists represented in the show (copies available at the NSCA). In her response, Judy Larson, artist of Diamond Heritage and member of the Scandinavian Weavers Study Group, noted that “You can’t be a weaver without being an unweaver!” Larson’s quotation highlights the repetitive nature of weaving and the necessity of undoing to move forward. This exhibition begs viewers to do the same with its wide variety of artists and approaches, asking visitors to unweave and weave again their understanding this longstanding mode of making with a reimagined view of its potential.
Weaving the North will be on view until Sunday, April 23rd. The North Suburban Center for the Arts is open Wednesday through Friday from 10am to 4pm, and 12pm to 4pm on weekends. The art center is located in a decommissioned firehouse in Fridley, Minnesota.
Plus, we’re online! You can now browse and purchase all for sale artwork featured in the exhibition on our online shop.
Upcoming events related to Weaving the North:
Wrapped Tassel Keychain Workshop | Saturday, April 1st 12pm-4pm (drop-in workshop, sign up here)
Artists in Conversation, panel discussion moderated by Susan Gangsei | Saturday, April 15th at 6pm (event details)
This panel will feature five artists represented in Weaving the North: Robbie LaFleur, Jacob Moore, Jes Reyes, Amy Shebeck, and Lisa Torvik.
Follow us on social media to learn more about our current offerings and events: Instagram | Facebook
Or, visit our website for more information: northsuburbanarts.org.