Highlighting Works by The Scandinavian Weavers Interest Group of The Weavers Guild of Minnesota.
on view Oct 27 - Dec 24, 2023
Public Reception Saturday, Nov 4 | 2-4 pm
Demonstrations on Saturdays: Nov 4, 18, 25, Dec 9
“Some of the most beautiful woven art has been produced by people living in harsh and often bleak environments and the Scandinavian peoples are no exception. What is more, the production of Scandinavian textiles was never influenced by a commercial marketplace. [Instead] the work was undertaken by the women in the family often to contribute to their dowries, with all the love and care that such an important purpose implied.”
— Flatweaves from Fjord and Forest: Scandinavian Tapestries
of the 18th and 19th Centuries
From the humble beginnings described above, woven textiles from Nordic countries evolved over the centuries into an acclaimed decorative art, both in the home countries of Norway, Sweden, and Finland and wherever immigrants traveled.
The Scandinavian Weavers Interest Group traces this journey in the curated exhibition “Domestic to Decorative: The Evolution of Nordic Weaving,” as each of the twenty weavers present a personal take on the theme. Some are inspired by treasured family heirlooms and traditional techniques, others by the possibilities of modern looms and materials. The exhibit will include demonstrations of weaving and spinning.
Participating Weavers: Lisa-Anne Bauch, Jane Connett, Beth Detlie, Nancy Ebner, Nancy Ellison, Kala Exworthy, Melba Granlund, Peg Hansen, Karen Lundmark Holmes, Judy Johnson, Robbie LaFleur, Judy Larson, Sharon Marquardt, Jan Mostrom, Alma Josefina Norha, Josefina Norhala, Kevin Olsen, Mandy Pedigo, Mary Lonning Skoy, Edi Thorstensson, Lisa Torvik, and Barb Yarusso.
The Scandinavian Weavers Interest Group is the largest of several interest groups affiliated with the Weavers Guild of Minnesota. Interest groups allow members to delve deeply into specific weaving techniques and traditions through coordinated study, exhibits, publications, and volunteer efforts.
The members of the Scandinavian Weavers Interest Group are honored to work with Red Wing Arts to share this exhibit with the Red Wing community.
Demonstrations @ The Depot Gallery
November 4
10am / Edi Thorstensson
Demonstrating weaving a rep band on a Swedish hand-carved rigid heddle.
1pm / Nancy Ellison
Demonstrating weaving on a rigid heddle loom. Nancy weaves pillows, chair cushions, and more using locks of gray, black, brown, and white wool from the Icelandic sheep in her flock. Wool mantels (or capes) were woven this way and were historically worn by shepherds to protect them from the weather when out with their flocks.
November 18
1pm / Peg Hansen & Melba Granlund
Demonstrating the upright warp weighted loom which has been used in Scandinavia since the 4th century A.D. Early on it was used to weave linen and woolen cloth for clothing, as well as ryas and varafels used as cloaks for warmth.
November 25
10am / Beth Detlie
Demonstrating a weft faced weave (Krokbragd) on a rigid heddle loom. The final project will be a table runner. Beth started weaving in late 2020.
December 9
1pm / Lisa Torvik
Demonstrating a transparency technique on a frame loom. Transparency weavings are meant to hang in windows allowing the light to become part of the design.