by | Jan 9, 2021

Weave Houston Exhibition Open!
January 9 – March 7, 2021

It’s finally here! Our 71st anniversary celebration exhibition Weave Houston opens at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft this Saturday, January 9! Showcasing the work of 42 CHH members, it is not to be missed!
HCCC is currently open Thursday – Saturday by reservation.Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
4848 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002

Weave Houston Juror Awards Event
Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 6:00-6:45 p.m.
Join the Contemporary Handweavers of Houston (CHH) and juror Dr. Mary Ruth Smith for a special live event celebrating Weave Houston: 71 Years of the Contemporary Handweavers of Houston. Tune into HCCC’s Facebook Live page promptly at 6:00 PM to see Dr. Smith present the awards of distinction and engage in conversation about the exhibition. The event will also feature an audience Q&A session following the awards presentation, so be sure to chime in with your questions via the chat function.

Dr. Mary Ruth Smith is a former CHH member and former professor of art in fiber arts and fabric surface design at Baylor University in Waco, TX. Starting with coursework in home economics, her career has led her to a variety of disciplines, from art education to the visual arts. At Baylor, she created a studio concentration in fabric surface design. Over the past 35 years, her hand-stitched artwork has been exhibited extensively internationally.
Tune in here: https://www.facebook.com/events/394642774956247


clockwise from upper left:  Tracy Kaestner, Jacket of Many Colors, 2020, handwoven silk;  Linda J. Thompson, Silk Wraps, 2018, fiber; Pat Powell, In Celebration of the Grape, 2020, fiber;  Therese Coucher, Grey Fox with Yaupon, 2018, wool, silk, cotton and linen on cotton warp.

Craft Chats: Weave Houston Tour with Maria-Elisa Heg & Molly Koehn
Thursday, January 21, 2021, 1:00-1:30 p.m.

Join HCCC Curatorial Fellow María-Elisa Heg and Contemporary Handweavers of Houston President and former HCCC resident artist Molly Koehn for an exhibition tour and conversation about Weave Houston: 71 Years of the Contemporary Handweavers of Houston. The discussion will cover the wide variety of techniques and materials featured in the exhibition, and the pair will take a closer look at the works on display. Following the exhibition tour, the audience is invited to participate in a live Q & A with María-Elisa and Molly.
Craft Chats is a series of short lunchtime conversations with our staff and special guests. From wherever you are, we invite you to tune into HCCC’s Facebook Live page to explore themes and works from our current exhibitions. Ask questions via the Facebook chat function, and learn more about the exhibiting artists. This brief deep dive will leave you feeling inspired and ready to continue your day!
Tune in here: https://www.facebook.com/events/160885465432830

Virtual Workshop: Circular Weaving with Molly Koehn
Saturday, January 23, 2021, 11:00-1:00 p.m.
Join HCCC former resident artist Molly Koehn live on Zoom for a circular weaving workshop. Circular weaving is similar to regular weaving, but it requires a round loom instead of a rectangular loom. In this two-hour class, we’ll start with a discussion on the similarities and differences between weaving on a round vs. straight loom. Then, learn how to create your own circular weaving, including how to warp a circle loom and use tapestry-weaving techniques. Experiment with various yarns and materials to create dimension and texture, and learn how to hang your finished piece on the wall!

Yarn, loom, and warp thread are provided to make one circle weaving, from start to finish, but students are encouraged to incorporate their favorite yarns as well. This class is intended for beginner and intermediate weaving students; no prior weaving experience is required. Your finished piece on the frame will be ready to hang, and you can reuse your tools to continue your weaving journey!
Register here: https://crafthouston.org/register/circular-weaving/

Hands-on-Houston to Go
Saturday, February 6, 2021, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join HCCC in making a woven bracelet, inspired by the current exhibition, Weave Houston: Celebrating 71 Years of the Contemporary Handweavers of Houston.
This project is perfect for beginners interested in fiber crafts. Weaving encourages creative thinking and problem-solving, strengthens fine motor skills, and introduces more advanced skills like sewing and knitting. Learn the basics of weaving, including how to use a small handmade loom and yarn to make your own woven bracelet. Sketch a pattern, and learn to thread your “weft” back and forth through the “warp” threads.
HOH To Go activity kits can be picked up and used by the whole family. Designed for ages 5+, the kits will include materials and detailed instructions to guide you and your family through each month’s activity. Just like regular Hands-on Houston events, HOH To Go takes place on the first Saturday of every month and is free to the public.
Kits can be picked up at HCCC from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Just pull into the parking lot behind the HCCC building (off Travis and Rosedale Streets), and let a staff member know how many children will be participating in the activity. HCCC staff will then safely deliver a kit to your car for you to take home and enjoy! When you’ve completed the activity, share your projects with #craftwithhccc, or tag us at @crafthouston. We’ll share some of our favorites in our social media posts!
Note: HOH To Go kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Limit four kits per family.

clockwise from upper left:  Diane Ferguson, Going in Circles, 2020, stitched shibori, embroidered and indigo dyed fiber;  Lynn S. Williams, Remembered, 2020, silk and thread;  Barbara Esterholm, Cityscape at night, 2020, handwoven cotton;  Blaine Davis, Blönduós Tapestry, 2018, wool, cotton, synthetics.