Fibers: Weaving with Local Natural Materials with Susan Raber Bray

Title: Fiber Arts: Weaving with Local Natural Materials with Susan Raber Bray

Instructor:  Susan Raber Bray

Schedule: NEW DATES! Saturday and Sunday, February 17-18, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Level:  All Levels (teens 16+ welcome!)

Tuition: $145 Member / $170 Non-Member

Supply: $20

Full class description:  Rediscover the natural world and connect with your ancestors by learning to weave with local found materials such as vines, leaves, branches, grasses, flower stems, tree and shrub prunings, and any natural material you can find in your garden or fields!  Across all cultures throughout human history, people have created shelters, clothing, storage vessels and more using the materials around them. In this workshop we will explore the twining technique and a very ancient weaving process using a simple loom that will be provided.  Possible projects include wall hangings, placemats, table runners, floor mats, window shades and more. Join us to become more aware of our environment as a source of materials, inspiration, and inquiry!

Instructor bio: Susan Raber Bray, born in New York and living in Vermont since the early 70’s, works in several media, including clay, oils, and  local  plant materials. After earning her B.A she developed her technique in numerous studios across the country, followed by a two-year apprenticeship with Mirko Orlandini, a master Italian ceramicist living in Brussels, Belgium. On her return to U.S. she founded her first studio in South Londonderry, Vermont in 1975.

Susan’s work is shown both nationally and internationally. In recent years she has held workshops in France, England, and Italy. As a visiting artist sponsored by the Vermont Council On The Arts (since 1989) Susan has taught in numerous Vermont public schools. She has also taught at the Rhode Island School of Design, the Community College of Vermont, St Michael’s College, and is currently teaching at the University of Vermont and her own studio school, Springhouse Pottery in Charlotte.

Supply fee includes:

• Hemp Cord
• Duct Tape

Students should bring:

• Garden Gloves
• Garden Shears
• Long pants and closed-toed shoes
• If possible, please collect natural materials in advance
  • Vines
  • Leaves
  • Branches
  • Grasses
  • Flower stems
  • Tree and shrub prunings
  • Any natural material you can find in your garden or fields

Contact Susan directly with questions or for more information (802) 310-3860 or springhousearts@gmavt.net

Minimum Enrollment: 5

Maximum Enrollment: 15