New Mexico History Museum

Wool-and-weaving day at the History Museum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 03, 2015

MEDIA CONTACT


See a new film produced by the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center, examine textiles and try your hand at weaving on Sunday, December 6, from 1:30–4 pm. The 20-minute film, An Unbroken Thread: Wool & Weaving in Northern New Mexico, will be shown at 1:30 and 2:30 pm in the History Museum auditorium. Throughout the afternoon, representatives from the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center and museum educators will engage visitors in the materials of the weaver’s trade, teach basic weaving skills and showcase finished textiles. This event is free with admission. Sundays are free to NM residents; children 16 and under are free daily.

EVFAC produced An Unbroken Thread with Convivial Design Studio as part of its educational mission. It focuses on the story of how wool from Navajo-Churro sheep ends up in the beautiful blankets typical of northern New Mexico weavers. After laying out the historical events that brought wool and weaving to New Mexico, it introduces viewers to shepherds, sheep experts, and people like Chimayó weaver Irvin Trujillo, a 2015 winner of the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts.

Spanish colonists brought sheep to New Mexico, and the animals quickly adapted to the environment, their wool enriching local weaving traditions which developed individual styles that stand today as hallmarks of cultural tradition, artistry and utility.

What does wool feel like? What’s a simple weaving technique? Learn that and more at this special event.

The Española Valley Fiber Arts Center is a unique resource for fiber artists and those who find beauty in the fiber arts. Visitors to the adobe storefront in the historic district of Española enter a world of looms, colorful yarns, beautiful handmade textiles, books, supplies, and hands-on classes. The center’s mission is to preserve and promote the rich textile heritage of northern New Mexico by providing learning and teaching experiences for all ages and backgrounds, and by providing encouragement and training towards economic sustainability in the Fiber Arts. 

Funders of the film are:

Alberts S. Kimball-Mary L. Anhalzer Foundation Inc.

Bread for the Journey, Santa Fe

Century Bank, Española

Department of Cultural Affairs, New Mexico Arts Division

Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative Inc.

LANL Foundation

Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area, Inc.

Rio Arriba County

Santa Fe Community Foundation

Valley National Bank, Española

In-kind donations were provided by Cipriano Vigil, Española Valley Fiber Arts Center board members, staff and volunteers.

For more information about the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center, log onto www.evfac.org.


Related Photos

Weaving
Irvin Trujillo
Churro sheep
Churro wool

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