Our Fibers area exposes students to the rich and varied field of contemporary fibers and its multi-cultural and historical roots. The Fibers curriculum engages students in an investigation of the relationship of material, form, process and content through an exploration of both traditional and experimental fiber processes and materials. 

We offer a comprehensive vision of contemporary fibers and introduce students to the broad language of fibers including weaving, surface patterning and manipulation, dimensional fibers and contemporary basketry, felting and papermaking, as well as extensions into mixed media, installation and performance/time-based work.

The goal: to develop a personal voice and vision, strengthened by conceptual and technical fluency. Cross-disciplinary and cross-media approaches are encouraged; students bring their own unique interests and direction to the shared studio experience.    

Facilities
The fibers area is housed in two connected studios. The weaving studio offers a number of vertical and multi-harness floor looms for pattern and tapestry weaves, as well as computers for pattern drafting. The construction and surface design studio is equipped to support a range of fibers processes. Floor to ceiling vertical looms are available for large-scale tapestry and mixed media work. The surface design and dye area houses padded print tables, dye kitchen, and equipment for fabric painting, printing, and manipulation. The construction area houses large work tables, sewing stations, hand and drum carders, spinning wheels, and a variety of tools and materials for experimental work. The construction studio also houses a Hollander beater, moulds and deckles,   and additional equipment for 2D and 3D eastern and western  papermaking. Advanced students are provided with semi-private work areas.