My most recent wool transparent tapestry, Nest (Golden-Winged Warblers are Happy in their Minnesota Habitat), will be on display at the Minnesota State Fair. I felt very honored that Tracy Krumm, Curator at the Textile Center of Minnesota, extended an invitation to exhibit in the Textile Center case in the Creative Arts Building and later wrote, “Beautiful–We would love love love to have it for the run of the Fair!!”
The Textile Center display always includes amazing pieces in a variety of fiber art techniques, in a case under glass. I thought of that because the building is often hot and giant fans blow a stiff breeze among the exhibits. The Weavers Guild of Minnesota booth is nearby, and over the years I’ve spent many steamy State Fair days demonstrating on their loom.
Without glass the warblers would be surrounded by leaves in motion, like this photo of the weaving, just off the loom.
Friends and family members always ask, “Do you have anything in the Fair?” before they attend. The most fun year (2011!) was when I submitted a small tapestry of my daughter, a la Andy Warhol. She was able to tell all her friends to go the find her woven double.
I’m sad I won’t be able to attend the State Fair this year, but it is for the best of reasons! I will be in Norway doing research for my book on Frida Hansen transparencies.
My promise to Fitz and Ellie: next year we will be back for our day at the Fair, eating french fries, donuts, and malts, and seeing baby animals and giant horses, and riding all the “Kidway” rides.
Robbie, your tapestry is beautiful! Warblers, flowers and Oak leaves… what could be better?! It’s a lovely summer on display.