Moon Rain Centre

Moon Rain Centre Blog Moving

2011-03-29T14:35:00.013-04:00

One of the changes that we have been working on is the new and improved Moon Rain Centre blog. The new blog can be found at the link below. The postings on this blog will stay in place, but future posts will be on the new one. Thank You and hope you enjoy the new site which will be much more interactive

http://moonraincentre.blogspot.com/

Also please visit The Vision Weave Project site at

http://visionweaveproject.blogspot.com/

Vision Weave Project

2011-03-18T11:55:00.063-04:00

The Vision Weave Project

Moon Rain Centre continues to interweave art and community with the Vision Weave Project

Contact Moon Rain Centre to plan a hands-on interactive community arts project.

Bring The Vision Weave Project to your local school, community centre, library, care or recreation centre.

Click on image to enlarge

info@moonrain.ca http://www.moonrain.ca/

Le projet « Tissage visionnaire »

2011-03-17T21:03:00.001-04:00

Tapestry Workshops at Moon Rain Centre 2011

2011-02-15T17:10:00.005-05:00

“During the process of designing and weaving each tapestry, I attune to ancient mysteries of the weaver’s path. The repetition of over and under, followed by under and over, meditatively connects me to Navajo, Mayan and Buddhist beliefs where weaving, or the union of warp, or tantra, with weft, or sutra, creates harmony.” Thoma Ewen, artistic director

Photography by Ken Ewen

Inspired by the natural environment, workshop participants explore and develop their own creativity, immersed in techniques and practices developed at Moon Rain Centre that demystify tapestry weaving, making it accessible to everyone.

Level One: workshops for beginners

July 23 & 24

August 6 & 7

This weekend workshop is an introduction to the art and craft of tapestry weaving. Basic techniques are explored and practiced on small frame looms. While learning to blend colours and build woven shapes and lines, participants create a small tapestry to take home.

$225 includes materials

Level Two: weaving tapestry

July 25 to 29

August 8 to 12

During this week workshop, the patterns of nature inspire woven tapestries, as each participant explores in depth the tapestry weaving process, developing and weaving a visual idea into a finished tapestry.

$475 includes materials prerequisite: Level One

Level Three: mentoring

Mentoring responds to the unique questions and concerns of individual advanced students. Emerging tapestry weavers are shown how to recognize and develop their own unique creative gifts, while learning to become active creative members of their own communities.

prerequisite: Level Two and portfolio

Level Four: weaving and culture

A workshop for teachers, arts educators and cultural facilitators

Weaving transmits the energy of Peace. It has a calming, harmonizing effect on people, especially on children, so is an excellent tool for today’s classrooms and community centers. This workshop teaches simple creative weaving skills and projects that are suitable for all ages, abilities, and cultural programming budgets. In this workshop participants learn how to turn the family ragbin into woven fabric art projects, how to make simple frame looms and weave on them, how to make cloth looms and more.

prerequisite: Level Two

workshop fees include all materials

camping and accommodation available on-site

For more information please contact Moon Rain Centre at

info@moonrain.ca

http://www.moonrain.ca/

819 457 9711

The Living Tapestry Workbook reviewed in Britain’s The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers

2011-02-10T16:28:00.007-05:00

The Living Tapestry Workbook received a glowing review from Jean Woods of the New Forest Guild in issue number 236 Winter 2010 of Great Britain’s The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.

Among the reviewer’s comments were, “a joy to view” , “encouragement to get started” and “inspire the belief you can do this too”.

The Workbook can be ordered online through the Moon Rain Centre website at

http://www.moonrain.ca/TapestryWorkBook.html

Also please check the December 11, 2009 posting on this blog for more information

Moon Rain 2011

2011-02-08T11:15:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year and thank you for all of the interest in Moon Rain Centre. In addition to this blog please check our website at http://www.moonrain.ca/
For questions and comments info@moonrain.ca is one of the best ways to reach us.
There are quite a few really exciting happenings coming up. More details to come.
Once again thank you

Culture Days/Journees de la Culture

2010-12-03T17:49:00.012-05:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Moon Rain Centre, Val-des-Monts, Quebec.

September 25, 26, 2010

Textile Arts Discovery Bus Tour

Circuit Decouvert Arts Textiles

On Saturday, September 25^th, Galerie Montcalm and the Ville de Gatineau organized a bus tour that visited the textile arts exhibitions organized by Moon Rain Centre in collaboration with the international textile arts event in the Outaouais, “When Thirteen Moons Entwine”.

The bus started in the morning at Galerie Montcalm in Gatineau after visiting the 9^th International Triennale of Mini-textiles from Angers, France. It then visited Espace Pierre Debain in Aylmer to see the exhibition Fibres Boreales, then drove to Moon Rain Centre to see the outdoor textile arts installations in situ and the studio exhibition, The Thirteen Moons. A gourmet picnic lunch was prepared by chef Chris Hudson, that bus tour participants and artists enjoyed at the waterfall along the scenic walking path at Moon Rain Centre.

On the drive home to Gatineau, the bus stopped to visit the international tapestry exhibit, Fils Lumineux at the Val-Des-Monts municipal hall.

It was a very enjoyable day for the bus tour participants. The word most frequently spoken was “inspirational”.

Photos by Ken Ewen

Tissage-Metissage

Community Weaving Project

The Agora, Maison du Citoyen, Gatineau, Quebec

On Sunday, September 26^th was Tissage-Metissage, a community weaving project organized by Galerie Montcalm and the Ville de Gatineau and directed by Thoma and Gabby Ewen of Moon Rain Centre.

Moon Rain Centre's “Collective Cloth” project provided the core of this fabric project that had an amazing resulting immense fabric art work. Over 200 community members participated in the weaving of “Tissage-Metissage”, and a permanent public location is being sought to display the weaving.

Photos by Dominique Laurent

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

2010-10-27T21:00:00.045-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Moon Rain Centre, Val-des-Monts, Quebec.

The integration of textile arts into the natural environment and the mythology of the thirteen moons

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

was an international textile event, inspired by the thirteen moons of the lunar calendar. It was an outdoor laboratory that brought together established professional textile artists with emerging artists in the creation of outdoor textile art installations at thirteen sites along a scenic walking path in nature at Moon Rain Centre, in the Gatineau Hills.

The number thirteen has very ancient and mystical significance, representing the unification of life, creation and the cosmos. In many cultures, the Wise Woman is referred to as a "Woman of the Thirteenth Moon".

When thirteen Moons Entwine included a spectrum of textile arts exhibitions presented in collaboration with major exhibition centres in the region, and offered hands on workshops by internationally known textile artists.

Quand les treize lunes s'entrelacent

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

Three minute video

Video courtesy of Aisha Productions, Gatineau, Quebec

Outdoor Textile Art INSTALLATIONS

2010-10-27T20:00:00.013-04:00

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

When Thirteen Moons Entwine was an international textile event, inspired by the thirteen moons of the lunar calendar. It was an outdoor laboratory that brought together established professional textile artists with emerging artists in the creation of 13 outdoor textile art installations at thirteen sites along a scenic walking path in nature at Moon Rain Centre, in the Gatineau Hills.

Map of Sites

Click to enlarge

Image by Gary Stuber, Artzu

Site 1

2010-10-27T14:12:00.030-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Hope Maclean (QUEBEC)

Edith Meusnier (FRANCE)

J'oublie les mots, les mythes et légendes pour savourer pleinement le silence et le mystère de l'illusion lunaire.- Edith Meusnier

Photos by Ken Ewen, Ken Ewen, Joanne de Nobriga, Ken Ewen

Site 2

2010-10-27T13:23:00.020-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

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Ewa Bartosz-Mazus (POLAND)

Part of my installation "The Cleansing" represents spirituality and positive thoughts: this optimism overflows out of me and into my tapestry; it is my aspiration that everyone can achieve this fragment of positive energy. - Ewa Bartosz-Mazus

Claire Guerette (QUEBEC)

Photos by Ken Ewen, Joanne de Nobriga, Ken Ewen, Ken Ewen

Site 3

2010-10-27T12:14:00.021-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Krystyna Sadej (CANADA)

Ali Rabjohns (UK)

All this love and these threads of my creative journey have been wooven into the final pieces, red spider's web reminds us that we are all connected. - Ali Rabjohns

Photos by Ken Ewen

Site 4

2010-10-27T11:49:00.029-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Denise Coker(QUEBEC) Gaël Morin (FRANCE)

Traces mémoire, rémanence; investir le matériau d'une mémoire réinventée. Quand l'art est technique opératoire, quand il est à la fois le messageet le messager, il devient possible de re-sacraliser l'espace.- Gael Morin

Photos by Joanne de Nobriga, Ken Ewen, Ken Ewen, Margit Hiedeg

Site 5

2010-10-27T11:09:00.025-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Ixchel Suarez (CANADA)

Marie Pier St-George (CANADA)

In the beginning of the World, it ia said that the Moon climbed up to the top of a tree. There she would weave; there she would spin; there in the tree. -Ixchel Suarez & Marie Pier St-George>

Photos by Ken Ewen, Gerald Bordeleau, Ken Ewen, Ken Ewen

Site 6

2010-10-26T21:14:00.039-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Jolanta Sprawka (QUEBEC)

Nadine Dupeux (FRANCE)

Il arrive souvent qu'aux dernières heures de décembre des solitaires inspirés se penchent au-dessus de l'eau et distinguent, scintillant pour eux des profondeurs, émouvante, terrifiante, la merveille des douze, parfois des treize lunes de l'année écoulée qui reposent, entrelacées. - Nadine Dupeux

Photos by Gerald Bordeleau, Ken Ewen, Joanne de Nobriga, Joanne de Nobriga

Site 7

2010-10-26T19:46:00.028-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Johanna Nousianien (QUEBEC)

The view is filled with pools of light shining through inviting you to imagine how it changes with the cycle of light... entwined in its own true rhythm as it joins a flow of treetops stretched to the horizon. -Johanna Nousiaien

Peter Harris (CANADA)

I think of the moon as a friendly visitor to grace my garden. While the sun stands for daily or yearly regularity, the moon stands for cyclical variations, the waxing and waning of influences - Peter Harris

Photos by Joanne de Nobriga, Ken Ewen, Ken Ewen, Ken Ewen

Site 8

2010-10-26T19:22:00.019-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Andie Haltrich (QUEBEC)

Space - Time Fabric and Gravity. The resulting physical object becomes a testament to the beauty and familiarity of the patterns we are surrounded by at all times as human inhabitants of earth-Andie Haltrich

Irene Anton (DEUTSCHLAND)

Photos by Ken Ewen, Joanne de Nobriga, Ken Ewen, Ken Ewen

Site 9

2010-10-26T18:51:00.027-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Nadine Richard (FRANCE)

Carole Baillargeon (QUEBEC)

Photos by Joanne de Nobriga, Joanne de Nobriga, Ken Ewen, Carole Baillargeon

Site 10

2010-10-26T18:34:00.018-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Liane Thiry-Smith (CANADA)

Joanne de Nobriga (UK)

A co-creative expression of the exquisite nature of all things, woven together into a gift offered bask to the world.
- Liane Thiry-Smith & Joanne de Nobriga

Photos by Ken Ewen, Joanne de Nobriga, Joanne de Nobriga, Ken Ewen

Site 11

2010-10-26T16:17:00.020-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Jeanne Valliancourt (CANADA)

Hannah Ranger (QUEBEC)

The Immediate response to an exploration of lunar cycles for me is tied into my passionate interest in the native American tradition of the moon lodge. -Hannah Ranger

Le sang des lunes, soeur de sang, le lien qui nous unit, les 2 artistes, se reflete dans l"installation-Jeanne Vallancourt

Photos by Joanne de Nobriga, Joanne de Nobriga, Margit Hideg, Margit Hideg

Site 12

2010-10-26T14:50:00.059-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Jocelyne Ladouceur (QUEBEC)

Kathryn Pannepacker (USA)

Treize lunes complices aident la terre fragilisee / our responsible actions can protect its integrity- Jocelyne Ladouceur et Kathryn Pannepacker

Photos by Ken Ewen, Ken Ewen, Ken Ewen, Joanne de Nobriga

Site 13

2010-10-26T00:31:00.121-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Nathalie Levasseur (QUEBEC)

owen tuf (QUEBEC)

L'Anima , sorciere et pretresse.Gardienne de la puissance tranquilled'un cycle .... « energie creatriceinstinctuelles non disciplinees - Nathalie Levasseur

In looking for ways to restore and renew pathways broken in the ordinary efforts of togetherness, this growing installation dedicates simple exercises - sewing, planting, listening, opening - as places to consider the nature of forgiveness- owen tuf

Photos by Ken Ewen, Ken Ewen, Joanne de Nobriga, Joanne de Nobriga

EXHIBITIONS... When Thirteen Moons Enwine

2010-10-25T22:33:00.013-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

the international textile arts event in the Outaouais

August 15 to October 10, 2010.

Exhibitions

As part of the international textile arts event in the Outaouais, When Thirteen Moons Entwine, the following exhibitions were presented in collaboration with major exhibition centres in the Gatineau/Ottawa region.

Avec ou sans eau / With or Without Water, the 9ieme Triennale internationale des mini-textiles from Musee de la Tapisserie Contemporaine, Angers, France was presented at Galerie Montcalm, the Ville de Gatineau’s prestigious exhibition centre, from August 26 to October 10, 2010.

Fibres Boreales, works on the theme of aurora borealis, was presented by a collective of Moon Rain Centre members at Espace Pierre Debain, the Ville de Gatineau’s art gallery dedicated to the crafts, from August 27 to October 10, 2010. The participating textile artists are: Francoise Chartrand, Denise Coker, Thoma Ewen, Hope MacLean, Krystyna Sadej and Phyllis Wedding.

The Living Tapestry/ La Toile Vivante, a solo exhibition of large format tapestries by Thoma Ewen, artistic director of Moon Rain Centre was presented at The City of Ottawa’s Trinity Art Gallery in the Shenkman Arts Centre from August 26 to September 28, 2010.

Fils Lumineux/ Threads of Light, a group exhibition of tapestries by five internationally known tapestry artists who participated in When Thirteen Moons Entwine, was presented in the Salle du Conseil, in the Hotel de Ville de Val-Des-Monts, Quebec, from August 28 to October 10, 2010.

The participating artist were Peter Harris, Canada; Ewa Bartosz-Mazus, Poland; Ixchel Suarez, Mexico/Canada; Krystyna Sadej, Poland/Canada; and Thoma Ewen, Canada.

The Thirteen Moons / Les treize lunes, a group textile arts exhibition of works by participating artists in When Thirteen Moons Entwine, was presented in the studio at Moon Rain Centre in Val-Des-Monts, Quebec, from August 28 to October 10th.

With or Without Water / Avec ou sans eau?

2010-10-22T22:51:00.019-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Avec ou sans eau / With or Without Water, the 9ieme Triennale internationale des mini-textiles from Musee de la Tapisserie Contemporaine, Angers, France was presented at Galerie Montcalm, the Ville de Gatineau’s prestigious exhibition centre, from August 26 to October 10, 2010.

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Photos by Ken Ewen

Fibres Boreales

2010-10-21T14:55:00.010-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

>
Fibres Boreales, works on the theme of aurora borealis, was presented by a collective of Moon Rain Centre members at Espace Pierre Debain, the Ville de Gatineau’s art gallery dedicated to the crafts, from August 27 to October 10, 2010. The participating textile artists are: Francoise Chartrand, Denise Coker, Thoma Ewen, Hope MacLean, Krystyna Sadej and Phyllis Wedding.

Espace Pierre-Debain

Photos by Ken Ewen

The Living Tapestry / La Toile Vivante

2010-10-21T14:00:00.002-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile envent in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

The Living Tapestry/ La Toile Vivante, a solo exhibition of large format tapestries by Thoma Ewen, artistic director of Moon Rain Centre was presented at The City of Ottawa’s Trinity Art Gallery in the Shenkman Arts Centre from August 26 to September 28, 2010.

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Photos by Ken Ewen

Fils Lumineux / Threads of Light

2010-10-21T13:40:00.015-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

Fils Lumineux/ Threads of Light, a group exhibition of tapestries by five internationally known tapestry artists who participated in When Thirteen Moons Entwine, was presented in the Salle du Conseil, in the Hotel de Ville de Val-Des-Monts, Quebec, from August 28 to October 10, 2010.From left to right, are tapestries by Peter Harris, Canada; Ewa Bartosz-Mazus, Poland; Ixchel Suarez, Mexico/Canada; Krystyna Sadej, Poland/Canada; Thoma Ewen, Canada.

Photos by Ken Ewen

Thirteen Moons at Moon Rain Centre

2010-10-21T13:02:00.005-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

The Thirteen Moons / Les treize lunes, a group textile arts exhibition of works by participating artists in When Thirteen Moons Entwine, was presented in the studio at Moon Rain Centre in Val-Des-Monts, Quebec, from August 28 to October 10th 2010

Images by Ken Ewen

WORKSHOPS....When Thirteen Moons Entwine

2010-10-20T21:44:00.058-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

International textile arts event in the Outaouais

Aug 15 to Oct 10, 2010

As part of the event a wide range of hands on textile workshops were presented by internationally known textile artists. Below is a small sample of some of them.

Group Felting Aug 28, 2010

Claire Guerette (QUEBEC)

instructor

Pictures by Joanne de Nobriga

---

Family Weaving Aug 28, 2010

Kathryn Pannepacker (USA)

instructor

Pictures by Joanne de Nobriga

...

Nuno Felting Aug 30, 2010

Ali Rabjohns (UK)

instructor

Workshop Coordinator Gabby Ewen with Ali Rabjohns

Photos by Thoma Ewen

...

Tapestry Sept 1, 2010

Ewa Bartosz-Mazus (POLAND)

instructor

Pictures by Thoma Ewen

....

Printing on Textiles Sept 18, 2010

Andie Haltrich (QUEBEC)

instructor

Photos by Joanne de Nobriga

...

Silk Screen Sept 19, 2010

Frances Graff (QUEBEC)

instructor

Photos by Thoma Ewen

...

Felt Hat-making Sept 25-26, 2010

Hannah Ranger (QUEBEC)

instructor

Photos by Ken Ewen

...

Transformation of Wool Sept 25, 2010

Claire Guerette (QUEBEC)

instructor

Photos by Ken Ewen

...

Doll Making Oct 2, 2010

Liane Thirty-Smith (CANADA)

instructor

Photos by Ken Ewen

...

Needle Felting Oct 3, 2010

Hannah Ranger (QUEBEC)

instructor

Photos by Ken Ewen

Vision Weave Public Art Installed

2010-10-20T21:42:00.037-04:00

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Vision Weave Community Arts project has been permanently installed at the Albion- Heatherington Recreation Centre, Ottawa, Canada.

photo by Caleb Abbott

artculture

City of Ottawa Public and Community Arts Newsletter

October 2010 Newsletter no. 4

Brought to you by the Cultural Services Branch

COMMUNITY WEAVING PROJECT UNVEILED AT ALBION- HEATHERINGTON

A new public art commission entitled Vision Weave created for the Albion-Heatherington Recreation Centre, was unveiled by Councillor Diane Deans and community members on Thursday, September 9th.

Vision Weave, by artists Thoma Ewen and Gabby Ewen, is a visual expression of inter-cultural and inter-generational creative collaboration. Hidden within the woven wool banners suspended from the foyer ceiling are over 100 ‘visionmessages’ for the present and future written by members of the Albion-Heatherington and Fairlea communities.The artist team set up their portable loom outdoors at the Better Beginnings Better Futures’ June Celebration, andin the Centre throughout July 2010 to teach, animate, communicate and direct the weaving of the Vision Weave project with community members of allages.

articulture

Bulletin sur l’art public et les arts communautairesOctobre 2010 Bulletin no 4

Présenté par la Direction des services culturels de la Ville d’Ottawa

DÉVOILEMENT D’UN PROJET COMMUNAUTAIRE DE TISSAGE AU CENTRE ALBION-HEATHERINGTON

Un nouveau projet d’art public intitulé Toile de vision, commandé pourle Centre récréatif Albion-Heatherington, a été dévoilé en présence de la conseillère Diane Deans et demembres de la collectivité, le jeudi 9 septembre dernier.

Créée par les artistes Thoma Ewen et Gabby Ewen, l’oeuvre Toile de vision est une expression visuelle d’une collaboration créative interculturelle et intergénérationnelle. Au sein des bannières faites de laine tissée suspendues au plafond du foyer se trouvent plus de 100 messages exprimant la vision pour le présent et l’avenir de membres des collectivités Albion-Heatherington et Fairlea. L’équipe d’artistes a installé son métier portable à l’extérieur lors de la Célébration de juin du programme Partir d’un bon pas pour un avenir meilleur, puis dans le Centre pendant tout le mois de juillet 2010 pour enseigner le tissage et animer, communiquer et diriger le projet Toile de vision en collaboration avec des membres de tous âges de la collectivité.

The Chalice

2010-10-20T21:18:00.016-04:00

The “Chalice” tapestry was commissioned for Michele Couzens-Eason of Kent, England in celebration of her 50^th birthday.

The tapestry represents Glastonbury Tor, one of Michele’s favourite places.There are many legends of the Tor: some suggest it may have been an ancient Druid sacred site in England, and is thought to have been the location of Avalon in Arthurian times. One thing is certain - it is a place of powerful energies

I depicted energy spiraling around the Tor and then coming up out of the Tor. Portraying the Tor energies seemed quite natural, since both Michele and her husband Paul Eason are Reiki practitioners who do healing energy work. When I came close to finishing the weaving of the tapestry, I noticed that a chalice shape had appeared almost like an aura containing and surrounding the energy lines, which is how the tapestry’s name came to be. The tapestry is 2’ wide by 3’ high, and was woven in the studio at Moon Rain Centre in the spring of 2010.

-Thoma Ewen

The Chalice (2010)

International Textile Arts Event in the Outaouais Aug 15 to Oct 10

2010-10-13T09:15:00.028-04:00

The integration of textile arts into the natural environment and the mythology of the thirteen moons

When thirteen moons entwine

was an international textile event, inspired by the thirteen moons of the lunar calendar. It was an outdoor laboratory that brought together established professional textile artists with emerging artists in the creation of 13 outdoor textile art installations at thirteen sites along a scenic walking path in nature at Moon Rain Centre, in the Gatineau Hills.

The number thirteen has very ancient and mystical significance, representing the unification of life, creation and the cosmos. In many cultures, the Wise Woman is referred to as a "Woman of the Thirteenth Moon".

Quand les treize lunes s'entrelacent

2010-10-07T14:09:00.008-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine International textile arts event in the Outaouais Aug 15 to Oct 10

Video courtesy Aisha Productions, Gatineau Quebec

Woven Works

2010-08-20T09:24:00.015-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine International textile arts event in the outaouais Aug 15 to Oct 10

In collaboration with Moon Rain Centre, and the international textile arts event, "When Thirteen Moons Entwine", you are invited to the opening of The Living Tapestry, woven works by Thoma Ewen, at The Trinity Gallery, Shenkman Arts Centre, Sunday August 29th, 2 to 4pm.
Exhibition on display from August 26 to September 28th, 2010.
For further information contact Moon Rain Centre
info@moonrain.ca
819 457 9711
www.moonrain.ca.

When Thirteen Moons Entwine

2010-07-09T21:06:00.005-04:00

International textile arts event in the Outaouais Aug 15 to Oct 10
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When Thirteen Moons Entwine ... Artists

2010-07-08T16:36:00.011-04:00

When Thirteen Moons Entwine International textile arts event in the Outaouais Aug 15 to Oct 10

Moon Rain Centre is proud to announce the participating artists for the on-site installations as part of the upcoming When Thirteen Moons Entwine event. They are...

Irene Anton GERMANY ● Carole Baillargeon QUÉBEC
Ewa Bartosz-Mazus POLAND ● Denise Coker QUÉBEC
Joanne De Nobriga UK ● Nadine Dupeux FRANCE
Claire Guerette QUÉBEC ● Andie Haltrich QUÉBEC

Peter Harris CANADA ● Jocelyne Ladouceur QUÉBEC

Hope Maclean QUÉBEC ● Edith Meusnier FRANCE

Gaël Morin FRANCE ● Johanna Nousiainen QUÉBEC
Kathryn Pannepacker USA ● Ali Rabjohns UK

Hannah Ranger QUÉBEC ● Nadine Richard FRANCE

Krystyna Sadej CANADA ● Nathalie Levasseur QUEBEC

Jolanta Sprawka QUÉBEC ● Marie Pier St-George CANADA
Ixchel Suarez CANADA ● Liane Thiry-Smith CANADA
owen tuf QUÉBEC ● Jeanne Vaillancourt CANADA

When Thirteen Moons Entwine Workshops

2010-06-30T17:54:00.014-04:00

TEXTILE ART WORKSHOPS

INTERNATIONAL TEXTILE ARTS EVENT IN THE OUTAOUAIS
WHEN THIRTEEN MOONS ENTWINE

at Moon Rain Centre

Group Felting - Aug.28 Claire Guerette - QUÉBEC
Family Weaving - Aug.28. Kathryn Pannepacker - USA
Moon Creatures - Aug.28 Ali Rabjons - UK
Fire and Fibre - Aug.29. Hope Maclean - QUÉBEC
Closed Vessel Wet Feltmaking - Aug.29 Hannah Ranger - QUÉBEC
Felt Making Make a Moon - Aug.29 Liane Thiry-Smith - CANADA
Marathon Weaving - Aug.29-30 Kathryn Pannepacker - USA
Felting Aug.30 Ali Rabjohns - UK
Tapestry - Sept.1 - Ewa Bartosz-Mazus - POLAND
Textile Resin - Sept.9 - Jocelyne Ladouceur - QUÉBEC
Knitting - Sept.14 & 16 - Jocelyne Ladouceur - QUÉBEC
Hand Quilting - Sept.18 - Liane Thiry-Smith - CANADA
Printing on Textiles - Sept.18 - Andie Haltrich - QUÉBEC
Silk-Screen - Sept.19 - Frances Graff - QUÉBEC
Laine Transformations of Wool - Sept.25 - Claire Guerette - QUÉBEC
Felt Hat-making - Sept.25-26 - Hannah Ranger - QUÉBEC
Doll making - Oct.2 - Liane Thiry-Smith - CANADA
Needle Felting - Oct.3 - Hannah Ranger - QUÉBEC
Tapestry - Oct.10 - Ixchel Suarez - CANADA

For
SCHEDULE / INFORMATION / ONLINE REGISTRATION

http://www.moonrain.ca/

Update on The Living Tapestry Workbook

2010-04-05T23:18:00.001-04:00

Wow, we would like to thank all for their interest in The Living Tapestry Workbook. The reaction to the book has been great and we will soon have to go ahead with a second printing . We have sold copies in Australia, New Zealand, The United Kingdom, The United States and Canada. The book has been praised by both teachers and students.

For more information

www.moonrain.ca/TapestryWorkBook.hmtl

Albion-Heatherington Recreation Centre

2010-03-13T09:08:00.009-05:00

NEWS RELEASE

Ottawa

For immediate release:
March 12, 2010

Unique weaving project wins public art competition

Ottawa — The main lobby of the Albion-Heatherington Recreation Centre will soon be home to a collaborative art project that promises to have the entire community weaving. Vision Weave, by local artists Thoma Ewen and Gabriel Ewen Phillips, was the winning entry in a City competition that called for public art to enhance Ottawa’s newest recreation centre and foster community engagement.

The mother-and-daughter team are thrilled their project was selected. “We wanted to create a visual expression of inter-cultural and inter-generational creative collaboration,” said Thoma Ewen. “My daughter and I will set up a portable loom in the recreation centre to teach, animate, communicate and direct the weaving of the Vision Weave project with community members of all ages.”

Councillor Diane Deans, chair of the Community and Protective Services Committee, said that the winning art was a perfect project for the new recreation centre. “What better way to weave a community together than with a tapestry that everyone can take part in? It’s one more way that public art can inspire and connect people of all ages, cultures and interests.”

An evolving piece, Vision Weave will incorporate the woven stories from the community. The result will be radiantly colourful banner-like woven hangings.

Thoma Ewen is artistic director of the Moon Rain Centre for Tapestry Arts; Gabriel Ewen Phillips is project co-ordinator. An award-winning tapestry artist, and former instructor at the Ottawa School of Art, Thoma directs community projects in Canada and Europe. An assistant at the Moon Rain Centre for over 12 years, Gabriel has studied at Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy, Arts Canterbury and Ottawa School of Art.

For more information about the new public art visit ottawa.ca/arts or call 3-1-1.

For more information:
Media contact
613-580-2450

Public inquiries
3-1-1

Vision Circle

2010-03-04T09:17:00.010-05:00

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Moon Rain was invited to direct the The Vision Circle community weaving project done at the Ayer's Cliff Elementary School in the Eastern Townships in Quebec.

Louise Boyce on the right, the head teacher and assisant principal of the school, organized the project.

Images from Moon Rain

2010-01-01T18:52:00.012-05:00

Happy New Year to all

People have been requesting some images taken around Moon Rain Centre, so here are a few taken during warmer times.

Images by K Ewen

The Living Tapestry Workbook is now available

2009-12-11T18:31:00.005-05:00

The Living Tapestry Workbook is now available for order. Contact info@moonrain.ca or telephone 819 457 9711. Please check the Moon Rain website at www.moonrain.ca/TapestryWorkBook.html (PayPal available)

The Living Tapestry Workbook is an introductory guide to designing and weaving tapestry.
The step-by-step instructions simplify tapestry weaving, making it accessible and easy to do. The Workbook covers all the basics needed to get started and serves as a companion to further explorations in tapestry weaving.

The Living Tapestry Workbook introduces the philosophy of Canadian tapestry artist Thoma Ewen, and shares her technical insights and knowledge developed over 35 years of weaving and teaching tapestry. Ewen communicates the ancient indigenous understanding that weaving is a sacred path. She illustrates how tapestry’s vital contemporary role is to transmit beauty, harmony and Peace.

2009-12-07T17:54:00.016-05:00

"When Thirteen Moons Entwine"
a textile arts event in the Outaouais
late summer/early fall 2010

integrating textile arts with the natural environment
and the mythology of the thirteen moons

"When Thirteen Moons Entwine" is a professional textile arts event, inspired by the legends of the thirteen moons of the natural lunar calendar. It is an outdoor laboratory that brings together established professional textile artists with young emerging artists in the creation of textile arts installations along a scenic walking path. This festive event includes exhibitions, workshops and artist's talks at Moon Rain Centre in the Gatineau Hills in the Outaouais region of West Quebec, and collaborates with major exhibition centres in the region to present textile arts exhibitions during the late summer and early fall of 2010.

"When Thirteen Moons Entwine" presents four related textile arts aspects:

installations, workshops, exhibitions and artist's talks

For more information please visit

www.moonrain.ca/MoonsEntwineEnglish.html

www.moonrain.ca/MoonsEntwineFrench.html

Call to artists

2009-12-07T17:25:00.010-05:00

Moon Rain Centre announces
A Call to emerging and established textile/fibre artists for:
“When thirteen moons entwine”
an international textile arts event autumn 2010
integrating textiles, the environment and the mythologies of the

lunar calendar.

Artists are invited to propose outdoor textile/fibre art installations,

workshops and artist talks.
Deadline for submissions is January 15th 2010.

Information:
Moon Rain Centre
http://www.moonrain.ca/
info@moonrain.ca
819-457-9711

Article in the Low Down Newspaper

2009-11-19T14:23:00.004-05:00

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This article appear in the Low Down newspaper on November 4 2009. The author is Phil Jenkins.
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Fibre Quarterly Article

2009-11-03T08:44:00.004-05:00

An article on the Big Weave Project, Moon Rain and fibre was published in the Fall 2009 edition of Fibre Quarterly. The following is the link to the article.

www.velvethighway.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_frontpage&itemid=1

The theme of this issue is Fibre revolution: Tapestry: before During Now & Next.

Be sure to check out this publication.

Aurora Borealis Behind The Trees

2009-09-07T22:49:00.001-04:00

Misty morning at Moon Rain

2009-09-06T17:56:00.001-04:00

The mist rolls across the fields at Moon Rain

Photography

Ken Ewen

Sunrise at Moon Rain

2009-09-06T17:47:00.000-04:00

Just before another incredible sunrise at Moon Rain Centre

Photography

Ken Ewen

Fibres Boreales Exhibition

2009-08-29T23:27:00.000-04:00

Moon Rain Centre Group Exhibition

2009-08-28T12:32:00.006-04:00

Artists and members gathered at Moon Rain Centre last Thursday to select works for the upcoming group exhibition, Fibres Boreales / Northern Fibres, to be presented in St Andre Avelin`s Centre d`Action Culturel fom September 4th to 27th, 2009.

Thoma Ewen, Phyllis Wedding, Hope MacLean, Francoise Chartrand, Denise Coker

Francoise Chartrand, Denise Coker. Thoma Ewen, Hope MacLean, Krystyna Sadej and Phyllis Wedding are participating in the exhibition. Unfortunately, Krystyna was not available for the photos.

Photography Ken Ewen

FIBRES BORÉALES ~ NORTHERN FIBRES

2009-08-25T21:34:00.004-04:00

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une exposition en tapisseries haute-lisse et l’art de la fibre, créées par un groupe d’artistes membres du Centre Moon Rain
a group exhibition in tapestry and fibre arts by artists and members of Moon Rain Centre
du 6 au 27 septembre 2009 ~ September 6 to 27, 2009
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Moon Rain Centre is invited to direct The Big Weave community tapestry project in England

2009-08-05T16:54:00.013-04:00

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Finishing the weaving and cutting it off the loom

Photographs by
Joanne de Nobriga

Art In Action

2009-07-31T22:24:00.006-04:00

Art in Action is a wonderful event that takes place near Oxford each year. It has become a showcase for Art and Craft in the UK. The intention is that artists set up as close as possible to workshop conditions so that the visiting public can enjoy seeing them at work. We were delighted to take The Big Weave along. We had a tent dedicated to The Big Weave and were busy weaving away over the four days of Art in Action. We had lots of visitors either joining in or just happy to watch the peaceful activity. The weather could have been a lot kinder, we had torrential rain, thunder and lightning! Joanne, our intrepid photographer came along despite the weather and took a few pictures of us working on the red brickwork of the Reading houses and bridge.

Here is a link for Art In Action if you would like to find out more...
http://www.artinaction.org.uk/ .

Photographs by

Joanne de Nobriga

Alfred Sutton School

2009-07-31T21:56:00.008-04:00

The Big Weave was at a local school, Alfred Sutton. The classes had the opportunity to watch the tapestry weavers and had the chance to weave too.

Photographs by
Joanne de Nobriga

Henley Festival

2009-07-18T11:50:00.009-04:00

On July 10 and 11, The Big Weave was at the Heneley Festival. As can been seen from the following photographs, the tapestry is now at about 6 inches and has had many hands, eyes and minds involved. It is a wonderful community project.
For more on the Henley Festival visit the website

http://www.henley-festival.co.uk/

Photographs by

Joanne de Nobriga

Day Three Ends

2009-07-13T08:37:00.005-04:00

Using the skills and techniques they learned on the small frame looms, the weavers work on the main tapestry

Placing the weft

Note the bubble technique of placing the weft

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Close Up

Putting the new skills to use

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Many hands

This is a community tapestry project

Photos by

Joanne de Nobriga

The Big Weave Day Three

2009-07-12T14:24:00.012-04:00

On day three Thoma Ewen gave a workshop for teachers, weavers and craftspeople at Maiden Erlegh school. The small frame looms were produced at the school and are an invaluable tool in learning how to weave a tapestry.

Frame looms

Putting a warp on the frame looms

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Separating warp threads

Using fingers to manipulate the warp

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Tapestry is started

The first couple of inches of weaving

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Nearing the end of this weaving

Only a few more picks to go

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Cutting the warp

The warp threads are cut and tied

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A small finished tapestry

Holding up a wonderful piece

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Two more tapestries

More example of the tapestries produced during the workshop

Photos by

Joanne de Nobriga

Day Two Ends

2009-07-11T13:13:00.004-04:00

Placing the cartoon The cartoon is set in place behind the warp

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Marking the warp

A black marker is used to draw the design on the warp
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Caroline & Thoma weave the heron's wingtip
The weaving is on!!

Photos by
Joanne de Nobriga

The Big Weave Cartoon

2009-07-09T11:57:00.006-04:00

The Big Weave Project is now into day 2 and the preparation of the cartoon of the design is the main focus.

Working with the design

Careful planning is needed

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Placing a grid

Using a grid to map the design

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Transfering the design to full size cartoon

By way of the grid the cartoon is drawn to full size

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A cornucopia of colour

A selection of the wool for the Big Weave Project

Photos

Joanne de Nobriga

The Big Weave Day 1

2009-07-07T22:07:00.030-04:00

Moon Rain and it's artistic director Thoma Ewen are so pleased and excited to be participating in The Big Weave, a coming together of artists and community to create a public art project which gives adults and children the opportunity to learn new skills and to participate in the creation of a unique community artwork.
This international project is located in Reading England and will take place during three weeks in July. Part of the beauty of the project will be derived from taking the project out into the community, teaching basic weaving techniques and providing the opportunity for all to weave.
Reading photographer Joanne de Nobriga joined us and took some amazing photos of the activity. Joanne will join us regularly during the three weeks of this project and has generously offered to document the event. Thank you Joanne.
Below are some of her photographs from day 1

Warping up

Diane and Caroline warping up The Big Weave Loom

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Checking the tension

Thoma checks the tension of the warp on The Big Weave Loom

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The first shed

Thoma prepares the first shed on the loom

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Down to work

Three weavers settle down at the loom

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The first pick

The first pick of the project is laid in place

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The design

Going over the design

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Check back to follow the progress of The Big Weave. Also please go to the Big Weave website at

http://www.thebigweave.org

The Big Weave

2009-06-09T09:22:00.005-04:00

Weaving A Vision For The Earth

2009-04-03T17:02:00.006-04:00

Weaving a Vision for the Earth

Join special guest Thoma Ewen to create a tapestry inspired by Earth Day. Write your visions, messages and wishes for Earth and weave them into a communal work of art. Families can also create a personal mini-tapestry to take home.

April 18, 2009 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

April 19, 2009 11:00AM to 4:00 PM

Canadian Museum of Civilization

100, rue Laurier Street, Gatineau QC

Free with Museum admission

Summer & Fall Workshops

2009-03-02T17:33:00.008-05:00

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Moon Rain Centre announces its tapestry workshops schedule for the summer and fall of 2009.

weekend workshops for beginners will be on the following dates:
June 20, 21
August 15, 16
September 12, 13
October 17, 18

5-day workshops for elementary and intermediate tapestry weavers will be the following:
August 17th to 21st
September 14th to 18th
October 19th to 23rd

accommodation and camping are available on site

please telephone 819 457 9711 or
email info@moonrain.ca for more information

Please visit the website at http://www.moonrain.ca/ for detailed workshop descriptions

Winter Weaving Workshop: a weaving retreat and Canadian winter experience

2009-01-15T18:25:00.025-05:00

In the autumn of 2008, Moira Diane Wood, fibre artist from Reading, England ( http://www.linenworks.co.uk/) contacted Moon Rain Centre to arrange a winter weaving workshop for herself and her artist sister, Elaine Callen from Ireland. Moira Diane is collaborating with Maiden Erlegh Community Arts School in Reading to develop a Family Weaving Programme that facilitates community tapestry projects as creative community outreach. The two artists wished to further explore tapestry techniques in the quiet retreat of the studio at Moon Rain Centre. Here are Moira Diane Wood's and Elaine Callen's summaries of their winter weaving week.

Elaine Callen in the studio

A few weeks before Christmas my sister and I left the UK for Toronto, boarded a train for Ottawa and on to Quebec. Our first glimpse of Moon Rain came just as the sun was setting - a golden glow in the sky, dark silhouetted trees and blue shadows across snow - more snow than we had ever seen before. Thoma led the way to the studio, showed us our cosy rooms, lit the woodburning stove, advised us of the whereabouts of the washhouse and left us to settle in with a very welcome invitation to dinner later.

Soon the wood-burning stove was roaring and the thought of going outside to the toilet was not appealing. However our night time expeditions to the wash house and the contortions of putting on all the layers required were rewarded with a stunning carpet of stars on clear nights and hushed fields covered in glistening snow.

Mornings we worked hard on our weaving guided and inspired by Thoma quietly and assuredly at work on a new Aurora tapestry. By lunchtime we could no longer resist the lure of the snow outside. Snowshoeing expeditions were called for - a short one to try out our snowfeet with Little One leading the way, and then a more adventurous expedition to the far corner of Moon Rain to visit the frozen waterfall.

Little One shows us the way

Moira Diane on snowshoes

Our last evening was memorable - the euphoria of finishing our tapestries, Thoma's special egg nog (sweetened with Moon Rain's smoky maple syrup) all rounded off with venison stew which had bubbled on the wood burning stove all day.
We enjoyed every minute of our stay at Moon Rain, and cherish all the new experiences it brought. We brought home a beautiful and much admired tapestry each and hope to return one day to see the finished Aurora tapestry and the Moon Rain garden that was hidden under the cloak of snow.

Thank you Thoma and Moon Rain for an unforgettable experience.
Moira Diane Wood

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My week at Moon Rain was a wonderful experience of sunshine and snow, bright blue skies and deep blue shadows. Baskets of multicoloured wools on a warm wooden floor. Ideas and inspirations, weaving and concentration. Snow shoe walks over pristine fields. Icy cold and warming spiced teas.

Elaine Callen. December 2008

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Below are the wonderful finished pieces that Moira Diane and Elaine designed and wove during the winter tapestry workshop

Elaine Callen's winter landscape tapestry

Moira Diane Wood's "Flax Field" tapestry

Moira Diane Wood is a flax spinner and linen weaver living in the UK (http://www.linenworks.co.uk/)

Elaine Callen is a landscape artist working in paint and pastel, she lives in Ireland.

Recent Tapestry Commission

2009-01-05T14:02:00.007-05:00

Garden of Light

custom designed and woven for an Ottawa residence

Greeting Cards

2009-01-04T15:21:00.006-05:00

Greeting Cards Of Moon Rain Tapestries

Greeting cards available from Moon Rain Centre For Tapestry Arts

info@moonrain.ca

Weaving Peace Field Tapestries

2008-11-22T17:02:00.015-05:00

National Gallery of Canada

October 25 2008

Photos C. LePlante

Moon Rain Featured on TFO

2008-11-15T14:29:00.008-05:00

Broadcast on TFO's Panorama May 11 2006

Moon Rain's Artistic Director Wins Award

2008-11-14T07:34:00.005-05:00

COMMUNIQUÉ

LAURÉATS DES PRIX D’EXCELLENCE DES 9e CULTURIADES DE LA

FONDATION POUR LES ARTS, LES LETTRES ET LA CULTURE EN OUTAOUAIS

Le 6 novembre 2008 - La Fondation pour les arts, les lettres et la culture en Outaouais a rendu hommage aux artistes de la région hier soir, lors de son événement annuel, qui s’est déroulé au foyer de la Maison de la culture de Gatineau. Douze prix furent remis lors de cette neuvième édition de la Soirée des Culturiades, dont l’animation fut assumée par le Théâtre Dérives Urbaines et la trompettiste Isabelle Arseneau-Bruneau.

Le Grand Prix d’excellence - IVes Jeux de la francophonie attribué à un artiste pour l’ensemble de ses réalisations, assorti d’une bourse de 2 500 $ :

- Thoma Ewen (Métier d’art)

CBC Radio Interview

2008-10-25T15:58:00.000-04:00

CBC Radio public service announcement for the teen weaving workshop at the National Gallery Of Canada, Saturday October 25, 2008

Workshop at National Gallery

2008-10-01T20:12:00.002-04:00

NATIONAL GALLERY OF CANADA

380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

WEAVING PEACE WORKSHOP FOR TEENS

Participate in a workshop run by the Teen Council on the theme of artistic peace. Take advantage of this great opportunity to meet other teens, get to know local artists, and create off-the-wall art. Cost: $5 per workshop (Members $4). Registration required: 613-998-8888.

Saturday 25 October from 1 pm to 4:30 pm
Invocations of Peace: A Vision Weave with Thoma Ewen

In this workshop, teen participants will express a vision of peace in a woven peace field tapestry. The process will be photographed and transmitted via an online blog, and uploaded to the Teen Council’s Facebook page.

Invitation for Illuminated Threads

2008-09-13T22:14:00.004-04:00

Group Tapestry Exhibition in Gatineau, Quebec

Curated by Krystyna Sadej

Invitation for Gathering Weavers

2008-06-14T10:10:00.004-04:00

Group Tapestry Exhibition in Ottawa

Curated by Krystyna Sadej

Vision Weave Project Lyon, France

2008-06-05T00:00:00.002-04:00

Community Tapestry Project

bibliothèque municipale de Lyon, France

Moon Rain Tapestry Exhibition In Lyon, France

2008-06-02T13:50:00.001-04:00

Tapestry Exhibition

bibliothèque municipale de Lyon

Invitation to Tapestry Exhibition, Lyon France

2008-06-01T13:39:00.002-04:00

The Tapestries of Moon Rain

bibliothèque municipale de Lyon

Published in TOPO journal des bibliothèques de Lyon

2008-06-01T13:31:00.001-04:00

Invitation To Northern Fibres

2008-04-10T08:41:00.000-04:00

Group Fibre Exhibition

Chelsea Library

April 12 to July 5, 2008