New Mexico Fiber Crawl

Lucky for me that I live in a state where fiber arts play such a large role in the history as well as the current livelihood of so many people. There is much support for those of us who carry on the work of raising and working with fiber.

The Española Valley Fiber Arts Center Shop

In Northern New Mexico, there is a small but mighty center of activity in the fiber arts world, the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center. "Our programs aim to increase markets for area farmers producing raw fiber (for example, heirloom Navajo-Churro wool, other wool including mohair, llama, alpaca, angora, bison and yak) by serving fiber art hobbyists, newly discovered talent, novice micro-entrepreneurs, seasoned fiber artists, and those looking to acquire a marketable skill rooted in local traditions such as weaving." I have been a member ever since I first stepped through their doors, several years  before I came to live in New Mexico. 

A brainchild of the EVFAC is the New Mexico Fiber Crawl. The crawl encompasses a massive 135-mile total radius and is divided into several geographic regions: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Española, and Taos. It has given local artists in New Mexico much-needed opportunities to supplement their income by bringing the market to them. During the crawl, fiber artists, culture centers, galleries, farms, and museums open their doors to fiber enthusiasts for a behind-the-scenes tour of the fiber art world. Visitors gain a better understanding of the materials used, the process that goes into making the final product, the diverse culture and contexts behind each piece, and the people who make them. There are often demonstrations at each site and artisan-made products available for sale. Now in it's second year, it has grown significantly. Last year, I hosted several friends at my house. You can read about it HERE. We had a blast! But, being sort of off the beaten path, our number of visitors was pretty small. This year, I've chosen to join a group of artisans showing in Albuquerque.

During this year's Fiber Crawl, you can find me at the Designers Warehouse in Albuquerque, weaving all weekend.
Along with me will be 5 other fiber artisans showcasing a variety of talents.
Read about our group at the link below and come visit us on May 18th, 19th, and 20th. 
Designers Warehouse Artists Group