Fiber Art Almanac Artist List

2014 Fiber Art Almanac List

A very short bio and their online info. Not all artists have a web presence so if you would like to contact an artist please feel free to write me at jennifer@fiberartalmanac.com

Anne Christenson—Batik painting—after spending a number of years in Hawaii as a corporate retail executive, Anne now focuses on painting and exploring other avenues of textile art. Anne lives in the Twin Cities. www.anniechristenson.com

CarolFaye Meadows—Felting—CarolFaye uses a variety of knitting and felting techniques to make her superbly constructed, eclectic bags.  CarolFaye lives in the Twin Cities. CarolFaye on LinkedIn

Chillon Leach—Liturgical art—Artist * art servant. Through painted abstract symbology, Chillon brings a visual connection to faith and life. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. www.chillonleach.com

Dawn Standera—Knotting artist—Dawn is the co-owner of Knotmore and seeks out opportunities to travel and learn more about knotting in other cultures. She is also the founder of Macramé Collective which is an online gallery and macrame community. She lives near Bemidji, Minnesota. www.knotmore.com

Debbie Hjelm Johnson—Rug hooking—what a great way to relax! Working with wool continues Debbie’s journey with textiles and she has made some fabulous friends along the way. Thanks, also, for the use of your wonderful old home for location photography! Debbie lives in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Don Waalen—Knitting pattern designer—besides working on his 100 year old house in Minneapolis, Don devotes his time and creativity to his fledgling pattern design business called MinnesotaSticks. Don Waalen on Ravelry

Elizabeth Watkins—Knitting—influenced early on by two divergent experiences with knitting yarn; the English basic but ‘good’ wool and the flashy, metallic-blends in Japan in the 80’s, Elizabeth picked out the best of both cultures and brings it all together with gracefully good taste. Elizabeth lives in St. Paul.

Helena Wentzlaff—Traditional quilts—Helena’s quilts are heirloom pieces. They are big, roomy, meant to keep loved ones warm and they completely cover any size bed! Helena lives on a farm near Arlington, Minnesota.

Jeneen Martin—Crochet and needlework—as a young girl living on a farm near Rockford, Minnesota, Jeneen learned handwork from her mother and grandmother. Today she still starts the day and ends the day with various projects created from her hands. She lives in the Twin Cities.

Julie Pietras—Needle felting—Julie loves to see the pieces come alive with the little bit of roving that makes a character. She makes her pieces squeezable so that kids can hold them and hang on tight. Julie lives near Madison, Wisconsin.

Karen-lisa Forbes—Knotting artist—new to the world of knotting but very familiar with other types of fiber art, Karen is adventuresome and excited about the future of this macramé art. She is also co-owner of Knotmore, a supplier of knotting cord. She makes her home in Bemidji, Minnesota.  www.knotmore.com

Kari Kruempel—Hardcover-book Journal—Hardcover-book Journal—Kari’s art has grown out of childhood of doodling, scrap booking, making instead of buying presents and daydreaming. Kari is also an award winning author with a novel, short stories and poetry to her credit. Kari creates and journals in Eagan, Minnesota. www.karikart.com/

Kim Kaelin—(Rug, etc.) hooking—there are still traces of Kim’s southern drawl even though she has survived more than ten winters in the upper Midwest. Kim teaches workshops and sells her pieces at local art galleries. Kim lives near Stillwater, Minnesota. www.fancylegsfolkart.blogspot.com/

Kjersti Campbell—Knitting—Kjersti says her iPad is command central for her pattern designs. She views the difference between art and craft as “the intention you hold about the object as you make it.” Kjersti bikes to work and lives in NE Minneapolis, Minnesota. www.purplbearcupboard.blogspot.com/

Kristin Hoelscher-Schacker—Art with Fabric—Kris expresses art with fiber because cloth is a familiar part of everyday life. She is interested in exploring how far fiber can be stretched and molded and retain the name “quilt.” Kris lives in the Twin Cities. www.khs-art.com/home.html

Marie Westerman—Pictorial weaving—expresses visual themes derived from the northern landscape she sees every day. Lakes, forest, rock and life create endless compositions out of their own repeated elements. Marie lives in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Nancy Miller—Bead work—believing there is opportunity with just a shoebox amount of materials, Nancy likes to be creative with what she has and thinks mistakes can lead to surprising discoveries. Nancy lives in Woodbury, Minnesota.

Paula Knutzen—Knitting—Paula is drawn to ocean themes in her knitting. She seeks out anything that is sand, shore, sea or water related. Paula is a prolific knitter and very generous with her gifts—I have been the recipient of such a wonderful treasure! Paula hangs out in St. Paula!

Robbin Firth—Wet felting—Robbin is an entrepreneur by nature. She is passionate about her art and every day she challenges herself to be more creative. Robbin has a working studio at Seasons on the St. Croix in Hudson, Wisconsin.  www.heartfeltsilks.com

Sheryl Thies—Author and knitter—she has six books filled with knitting and crochet patterns to her name but says it’s only because she took the time to write them down. Thank you for offering two of your patterns to the readers of the Almanac! Sheryl lives in Madison, Wisconsin. Sheryl Thies on Ravelry

Susan Simonton—Suri alpaca farmer and pattern writer—on a quest for the highest rated suri fiber, Sue and her daughter Margaret are capturing knitters’ hearts with the unparalleled quality of their yarn. Sue effortlessly knits elegant but highly complex lace patterns. She lives in the Twin Cities. Little Gidding Suri Alpaca Farm

George and Jeanette Sundstrom—Sun Valley Fibers—gardeners, shepherds, and now yarn dyers, Geo and Jeanette have a happy marriage and a thriving business. They live on a hobby farm near Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin. Sun Valley Fibers

Susan Antell—Quilt art—inquisitive and enthusiastic, Susan shares her expertise and teaching skills with students at the Textile Center where she is also a frequent exhibitor. Susan lives in the Twin Cities.

Tina Hughes—Fabric art—Tina uses fabric to explore and interpret her view of the constructed world around her. A member of several study groups, Tina also likes to take mini road trips with artistic destinations. Tina lives in St. Paul.

Wendi Seminari—Wearable art—garment construction has always been a part of Wendi’s life. Her interior design education influenced her aesthetic and the old Home Ec mantra “make it look as good on the inside as on the outside” shaped her attention to detail. Wendi lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Winnie Johnson—Weaving—for over forty year, Winnie has accumulated a life time of weaving skills and within the last few years has learned how to weave tapestry. Winnie also welcomes the challenge of teaching a beginning weaver and watching them gain confidence and expertise. She divides her time between Minnesota and Arizona.

2013 Fiber Art Almanac List

About the fiber artists in the 2013 Almanac; some are emerging artists, some have professional experience, a few are authors and many are only known within their close circle of friends; yet each person reflects inspiration, excellence and creativity. If the artist has a website, it is listed. If you would like to contact an artist, please feel free to write to me at jennifer@fiberartalmanac.com

Aimee Radman, Fiber Artist: A professional weaver, Aimee sells and exhibits her work regionally.  Fiber Fusion

Alyssa Hunter, Knitter/Spinner:  Relatively new to spinning and knitting, Alyssa has mastered lace knitting. And, a Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon winner with the shawl in this book.

Anita Jain, Fiber Artist:  A native of Finland, Anita is a serious student of all types of fiber art. Anita sells and exhibits her work locally and internationally.

Brandy Lynn Maslowski, Fiber Artist:  Aware, courageous, determined, and motivated.

Carolyn Vance, Knitter:  A process devotee, Carolyn’s knitting is authentic and complex. Carolyn is one of the Master Hand Knitting program examiners and looks for ways to share knowledge with other knitters.

Cornelia Griffin, Knitter:  A shop owner with sophisticated taste, Cornelia is inclusive, fun (she knit an animal circus) and builds relationships. Great with a circular saw, too, by the way! 

Crystal Woolsey, Knitter:  “Are we SURE we are finished?” Crystal is inspired by Monet, Victorian clothing and motorcycle shops! (Not sure if that’s the correct order)!

Deb Schlekewy, Spinner/Knitter: Loves a fiber challenge and dives into the details becoming an expert quickly.

Diane L. Augustin, Pattern designer: Diane picks up the sticks and begins to play. She’s observant, curious, generous, and professional.  Thank you so much for the patterns!

Jane Niemi, Machine knitter: Jane’s look is very polished. She’s an expert machine knitter who focuses on wearables and has won multiple awards from the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

Jim Bates, Leatherworker:  A leatherworker for many years, Jim is reverent about the leather he works. His bags and accessories are both beautiful and functional. He sells his work at regional art gallery shops. Manitoba Gifts

Kathryn Grafsgaard, Weaver: A self-taught weaver, knitter and spinner, Kathryn sells her work at local art fairs and hangs out with friends at her local yarn shop!

Kathy Anderson, Weaver:  A free spirit, who experiments, makes one of a kind art yarn, innovates and sets her own pace. (No patterns, please)! Kathy sells and exhibits her work regionally.

Kathy Esch, Quilter: Kathy is a renaissance woman, a people gatherer, and gardener, knitter, and soap maker and dyer. I’m pretty sure she’s done it all. And she owns The Shepherdess Naturals in Anoka. Shepherdess Naturals

Kim Gannaway, Quilter:  Kim’s quilting is expert level, she’s starting to design and why is it that when we go into a quilt shop, I’m the one buying the fabric? Hmm?

Margo Duke, Fiber Artist: Margo’s felting style is expressive and delightful. Margo is an author of two books, teaches, exhibits and sells her work nationally.Her Majesty Margo

Mary Holland, Hydro printing: An educator, Mary is focused and spends time everyday working toward her goals. She exhibits and sells her work locally at the MN Center for Book Arts.

Melissa Nellis, Fiber Artist: Melissa’s Finnish heritage plays an important role, offering the opportunity to connect with her family legacy through her fiber art. She is a scientist, articulate and focused. Melissa exhibits locally.

Nancy Birger, Fiber Artist: Quilting is the beginning of lifelong friendships for Nancy. She’s inclusive, adaptable, owns a successful long-arm quilting business and gives workshops at local guilds.

Nancy Eha, Bead Artist: The Queen of Bead Explorers, Nancy, is the author of two books. She’s inventive, designs commissioned work, teaches and exhibits nationally. Bead Creative

Nancy Mambi, Fiber Artist: Nancy has migrated from quilting to dyeing and has found her fiber passion. Nancy exhibits and sells her work at the Textile Center in Minneapolis.

Nancy Wick, Fiber Artist: Self described gadget girl, Nancy experiments with her sewing, embroidery and long arm machines to create new embellishments. She’s super organized and her pieces are joyful.  www.imapiecemaker.com

Stacy Anderson, Quilter: Stacy did an extraordinary job of combining storytelling and quilted illustrations in Carly’s book. It is an heirloom to be treasured.

Susan Antell, Fiber Artist: Susan works in Technicolor; she is analytical in her research to standardize color formulations. The pieces in her Hubbell Space series look like they are from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. She exhibits her work at the Textile Center.

Tina Hughes, Fabric Artist: Even though her pieces used fabric and are constructed with a front, middle and back, Tina does not claim to be a quilter. Piecing fabric creates an abstract representation of what she see in the constructed world around her.

Wendie Zekowski, Fiber Artist: Wendie’s work centers on her rich, deep color scheme. Whether she is dyeing silk camisoles or entire wool blankets, the texture is subtle and the hues are vibrant. Wendie sells and exhibits her work at the Textile Center and art shows.

2012 Fiber Art Almanac List

Some of the artists have websites, however most do not. If you would like to contact an artist, please contact me at jennifer@fiberartalmanac.com

Anita Jain—Fiber Artist.  Her passion is one of a kind art.  She likes to use fiber as the medium.  (Knitting is merely a way to make cloth because most of the time it ends up felted).  Featured in this publication are pieces which show how through very difficult times in her life Anita created fiber sculptures as a way of understanding those difficulties.

“The Fab 5—but there’s 6 of us”—self described renegade ‘branch’ of the Pine Tree Quilters in Brainerd, these six women build off their collaborative working style and experience.  Individually, each fiber artist focuses on experimentation and does not put themselves on a cycle of production but are patient and let the piece evolve.  Members are: Kathy Bardolph, Karla Overland, Kathy Carney, Carolyn Abbott, Joanne Wotczak and Carolina Warner.

Kim Gannaway—Quilter. Her second year in the Almanac, Kim shows us a new quilt pattern design and fine sewing technique. Kim is also the creator and inspirational leader of Caring Quilts Day.  Over 750 quilts have been made and delivered to patients at Target House since the first Caring Quilts Day.

Peggy Wright—Embroidery and Bead Artist.  Peggy, who teaches beading both locally and at the national levels, began her beading career almost twenty years ago.  Currently, she teaches through the local chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America; the St. Paul Needleworkers.  Peggy is also experimenting with using beads as surface embellishment on quilted fabric.Ruby Wings

Debra Gangelhoff—Fiber Artist.  Debra’s stitched embroidery is a delight! Debra works out of her studio in Long Lake, MN and sells her work at the Textile Center and to gift and fiber shops nationally.Manitoba Gifts

Kathie Simon Frank—Fiber Artist.  Kathie becomes involved in the community of fiber life around her.  This has led her along many paths of dimensional art forms including pottery, quilting, weaving and sewing.  Kathie seeks to use her creative expression as a form of ministry and spirituality.

Kim Larson—Rug Hooker and Mitten maker.  New to rug hooking, Kim took up the craft less than two years ago.  Diving right in, Kim joined a group of Wisconsin hookers and has completed many projects. The pieces featured in this publication are her own designs.

Paulette Wentzlaff—Wool dyer and rug hooker.  Paulette’s expertise in the dye kitchen is what makes it possible for so many people to create beautiful pieces of fiber art.  But really—Paulette is a collector of people.  Tuesday hooking; the soup pot is on and dessert is outrageously good!River Rock Wool

Michele Buck—Knitter and spinner.  Michele has not met a type of fiber art that she can’t do.  Always curious, Michele recently purchased an angora rabbit.  (We look forward to seeing the output). Her knitting has brought her an army of State Fair ribbons over the years.  The breadth of work Michele creates is inspiring.

Shelley Monitor—Master Knitter.  She is a Sweepstakes winner at the State Fair, claims to not keep any notes about her work, and just ‘pulls’ yarn out of her stash to put ‘something together’.  Shelley spots ideas in several places and then integrates them together into her own designs.  While Shelley claims to be rather casual in her record keeping, she is very attentive to the details in her work and has received much acknowledgment and a Master Knitter designation for her expertise.

Jennifer Williams—Knitter.  “Read your knitting books!”  Jennifer believes knitters will gain much knowledge and wisdom if they would just read the whole book!  She has followed her own advice and with her analytical mind achieves the high level of expertise she expects.  She also splices the ends of the yarn before weaving them in!  Wait til you see her knitted silk scarf.

Stasia Dorn—Knitter.  Stasia has an extended family and knits for all of them.  The cabled cowl scarf was a pattern she took on when she was just learning how to knit.  She knows how to create a very smooth fabric—everything she makes always looks very nicely done.

Susan Stein—Art Quilter.  National teacher, author of six books, and former shop owner, Susan easily shares her knowledge with others.  Susan creatively layers multiple kinds of materials (not always used for their intended purposes) onto fabric that she has dyed.  She doesn’t operate off of a strict set of rules but experiments with cloth, building layers of fiber into one cohesive piece.Colorful Quilts

Lila Nelson—Weaver.  It’s hard to say who influenced whom the most. Norwegian textiles and the Vesterheim or Lila Nelson; the museum’s first Textile Curator. The two are inexorable in their shared 50-plus year history.  Lila’s weaving reflects the Norwegian tradition while her later tapestries reflect her innate sense of humor, strong color preferences, clean aesthetic and love for poetry and meaning.

Louise French—Fiber Artist.  Weaving has been a part of Louise’s life for over thirty years.  Structure and color are the key variables in all forms of creative expression she practices.  She begins with selecting the color, then weaving the cloth and finally determining the highest and best use of that fabric.  Being a part of a bigger group such as the Weavers’ Guild is very important to Louise and allows her to share knowledge and gain from others’ experience.Louise French

Sharon Tessman Hoiland—Weaver.  Sharon is known for her rag weaving.  Active in the Weavers’ Guild, she has taught classes and plays a key role in many guild initiatives.  Sharon likes to experiment with unique combinations of weave structure and different types of fiber resulting in a fresh approach to weaving. Tessman Textiles

Rose Allen—Art Quilter.  A pattern quilter for many years, Rose found her zen when she tossed out the patterns and started mindfully creating her own style using a huge design board.  Layering fabric, working with curved edges, adding beaded embellishments and painting on the fabric using thread are just the starting point for her creative talents now.

Caring Quilts Day—this is a day where many quilter friends gather together to create a little patch of comfort for kids who are struggling with a serious illness.  Kim Gannaway started this day 12 years ago with her church quilting group and a couple of co-workers from Target. The quilts are all donated to the Target House in Memphis.

Polly Hart—Artist.  The shop she and sister Kirsten own in Mahtomedi, Lila and Claudine’s, is a treasure of whimsical delight.  The atmosphere in their store is a world that Polly created with vibrant colors, painted floors, mosaic tile, rich tapestries and delightful accents.  Polly is also active in developing Art in Triangle Park—an annual town celebration in Mahtomedi, MN. lilaandclaudines.com

Martha Ewald—Knitter.  Martha always has really amazing stories that go along with her needlework.  The blue needlepoint canvas is from Paris and the baby sweater pattern is from Switzerland.  She is always creating elegant, tasteful pieces. And once someone admires a project, she is more than happy to pick up the needles for them. (I have to make my own, of course, but she happily shares patterns)!!

Cornelia Griffin—Crocheter.  Cornelia was taught to crochet by her Irish grandmother when she was four and discovered knitting as a teenager.  She knit her way through art school and her architectural career. Lots of knitting time while waiting at the building department!!  Now, Cornelia is the co-owner of Bella Lana in Minneapolis.

Suzanne Shaff—Photographer.  There is no one who photographs people and animals like you. The way you read what’s going on with your camera—it’s art.  Thank you for taking some still shots for me. They are, of course, the very best.  And, of course, you are my sister.  Older sister, if anyone is asking! Suzanne Shaff Photography