Education

Distance Learning

Chair: Tommye Scanlin

The distance learning program is designed for intermediate tapestry weavers who want to pursue an in depth study of a tapestry topic with guidance and mentoring from a more experienced tapestry weaver. An intermediate weaver is defined as someone who can warp a loom and who has woven several small tapestries or samplers. This is meant to be a self directed and well-defined program of study. Students are encouraged to narrow the range of study so that it can be completed within one year. (read more here)

Helping Hands

Chair: Joyce Hayes 

The Helping Hands distance learning program is designed for beginning tapestry weavers who want to begin exploring tapestry with guidance and mentoring from a more experienced tapestry weaver. The student must be an ATA member.  A beginning weaver is defined as someone who has little experience or one who has completed an introductory level workshop.  This program will introduce students to warping a loom, shape building, warp and weft balance, and beginning cartoon development. (read more here)

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Online Study Groups

October 2008 Study Group: Decoration as Subversion

Led by Sharon Marcus

"When the first conscious attempts at ornamental designing began they took the line of least resistance, gathering current signs and symbols into decorative patterns.  They, so to speak, 'camouflaged' their revolutionary action by mimicking the traditional order of things." (Archibald Christie, "Pattern Design")

"Decoration can exist as a microcosm for the order of the cosmos, much as the miniature stands for the larger world.  Ornament is allegorical because it is a layer applied to an object to give added meaning."(Nancy Corwin, "The New Narrative: Contemporary Fiber Art")

Through jointly developed readings and on-line discussion this study group will explore the "subversive" potential of decoration and ornamentation.  We will draw upon not only tapestry, but also the wider art world as a resource for dialogue.

October 2008 Study Group: Structure + Materials = Something More

Led by Dorothy Clews 

"There is an early form of communication called object writing.  Natural materials, stones, wood shell are bound, wrapped and knotted together.  The assemblage, the fusion of materials contains meaning."  (Michael Brennand-Wood, "Stone: paper: scissors")

"Textiles are metaphors that help to make ideas physical." (Elsje van Keppel, "Fragile objects").

"Spaces which echo holes through which…contents may leak. There are a lot of holes, spaces and gaps." ( Ruth McDougall, Close Ties)

"Like energy, entropy is in the first instance a measure of something that happens when one state is transformed into another." (P.W. Bridgman, "The Nature Of Thermodynamics")

This study group will explore how contemporary artists explore structure and materials to add layers of meaning in their work through readings jointly chosen by participants, and online discussion.

How to apply:

Members of ATA who are interested in taking part in either of these two study groups should contact Dorothy Clews at: warp122000 at yahoo.co.uk (substitute @ for "at" when addressing your email). Participants are limited to 10 per study group.

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Other Education Programs

To further reach our education program goals, ATA hosts an open session at a national conference every two years (HGA's Convergence) with presentations and open discussions on current topics. Collaborations with other organizations result in periodic symposia and events, such as the upcoming. Check our Education page here.

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Exhibitions

ATA's primary method of attaining its program outreach goals is to mount and tour an international juried exhibition every two years. The ATA Biennials bring the best of international contemporary handwoven tapestry into a coherent show. These exhibitions provide opportunities in the field by a) setting high standards of excellence; b) touring across North America; c) triggering articles; and d) publishing a catalogue with critical essays.

These exhibitions usually draw excellent attendance to the host museums and art centers. Tapestry is rarely exhibited and, as a result, it draws a mixed audience (from across the economic spectrum) of people who view it as non-threatening, approachable, and enjoyed by young audiences. An estimated 9,000 viewers saw ATB4 in 2002-2003. In Carlsbad, California, 28 groups of local school children visited the show.

For more information about our current Exhibitions, check here.