Historically, fiber-based crafts have long been a source of inspiration for women from around the globe. In many cases, this ingenuity with thread, yarn, and cloth was dismissed by the art establishment as domestic handicraft, or more often, as menial labor. However, that attitude has begun to change.
In this hands-on workshop instructed by Leah Parkhurst, participants will incorporate text into tapestry weaving to explore often overlooked fiber-based materials and applications using repurposed and upcycled textiles donated by the community. Each participant will create their own unique tapestry square that will be displayed at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center before being incorporated into one collaborative installation.
In collaboration with the Tapestry program of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center.
DATE: Sunday, October 29, 2023
TIME: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Jewish Museum Milwaukee
COST: Museum Members $100 | JCC Members $100 | Nonmembers $125
Cost includes workshop instruction, materials, equipment, and admission to Jewish Museum Milwaukee to see the current special exhibit, Women Pulling at the Threads of Social Discourse.
Leah Parkhurst is an art historian, surface designer and educator who started as a printed-textile designer, training at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the Savannah College of Art and Design. Soon after graduation, from her dining room table, she founded Rustbelt Fiberwerks and sold some of her first products at farmer’s markets, craft fairs, and, eventually, galleries.
Leah took a short break from Rustbelt Fiberwerks to pursue other interests in the art community which solidified her passion for writing and research, which resulted in the development of The Limner Group, Stationery Bike and Dirty Art History. Leah’s quirky, non-fiction tales and functional textiles are presented with an exuberant, yet objective, view of the art world. With humor and slightly tarnished charm, Leah puts an emphasis on craftsmanship and quality design.
However, it isn’t all work. Leah is also a devoted lover of genmaicha green tea with lemon, dark chocolate bars and cycling, but not necessarily all at the same time! Leah Parkhurst splits her time between a mid-century tri-level in Wisconsin and a small, but efficient, studio in Oregon.