First, I would like to thank you for your continued interest
and feedback I am getting from our newsletters. It is a good indication that we
are on the right path to providing you with creative opportunities that fit
your individual needs.
This is the third in a series of five reports further
explaining results and impact of the surveys completed at the end of our 2010
season.
So, let’s talk crafts! Last year we offered seven different
workshops in felting, rug hooking, handmade paper, woodcarving, book making and
basketry. With an overwhelming response
of our survey audience, we have doubled our offerings this year and have added
knitting, spinning, weaving, and calligraphy to the mix.
Apparently, quite a few of our fiber artists had scheduling
conflicts and preferred that most of our craft workshops be offered during the
week. Thus we created a whole week dedicated to the art of fiber in June. It all begins on Sunday, June 12th with a fiber demonstration
day, made possible through a partnership with the Blue Ridge Fiber Guild.
Workshops in rug hooking, spinning, weaving, knitting and
felting will be held through out the week. Participants will have the opportunity
to follow the entire process from a raw product to a completed work or attend one or two days to focus on
a particular method. The week will culminate with a fiber market on Saturday,
June 18th, where participants will have the opportunity to display and/or
sell their finished works to the general public.
A similar week-long experience is being offered for those
interested in the paper and book arts in August. Here participants can make their own paper, use
it in a book they create and write their own thoughts in calligraphy. Again, providing the perfect opportunity to
follow an entire process or focus on one specialty.
We will also be offering four unique basketry workshops this
year: North Carolina Fibonacci, Mountain Tapestry Wall Hanging, Ribbed Basketry
and a children’s workshop in creating garlic baskets.
The cost of materials and equipment also needed to be
addressed. We are asking our instructors to be attentive to the needs of our
students, especially those who are getting started in a new medium. Thus
materials list and fees have been adjusted and equipment rental or loan
programs are being explored. I will post these opportunities as they arise in
both our newsletter and on our website.
We feel that we have begun to address the needs of our crafters;
however there are a few requests that we have yet to answer, including quilting,
collage, dyeing and textile painting. As we begin to plan for 2012, we will be
seeking options to address this need. If you are familiar with an instructor in
the above mediums please let us know.
In the mean time, please let us know how we are doing and
how we can better serve your needs.
