The fibers area at the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design supports an expansive approach to fiber and material studies. The technical, conceptual, and creative aspects of fibers and textiles are interlaced in the curriculum, enabling students to challenge how fiber interacts with contemporary practice in form and in content. Students pursue thematic and material investigations that further their understanding of both historical contexts and contemporary applications.
Fibers in a contemporary art practice
Choose from three dynamic degree paths
Dye, stitch, weave, and more
Fibers facilities are located on the second floor of the Fine Arts Building. Our weaving studio is equipped with a TC2 digital jacguard loom as well as Macomber looms. Our main studio features long print tables, a fully equipped dye lab with a focus on natural dyes, a large-format digital printer, and a digital embroidery, long-arm, and other sewing machines.
B.F.A. + M.F.A. studios
B.F.A. students share a studio space just off of our main studio, encouraging collaboration and community within the program and providing direct access to Fibers’ equipment and tools. Students in the M.F.A. program in Fibers have individual studio spaces.
Tools + Equipment
Fibers Studio
- TC2 digital jacquard looms (2 module wide and 4 module wide)
- Macomber Looms (25)
- Long arm machine
- Digital embroidery machine
- Bernina tabletop sewing machines (10)
- Juki industrial straight-stitch
- Juki industrial serger
- 30-foot print tables (2)
- Drum carders (4)
- Spinning wheel
Silkscreen exposure (darkroom exposure) room
- Vacuum exposure unit
- Washer and dryer
- Washout sink
- Paper beater
Dye lab
- 8000w induction burners (2)
- 5000w induction burners (8)
- Hood vent
- Drying racks
Text + texture
Students are encouraged to explore the interdisciplinary, relational, performative, historical, cultural, social, and site-specific nature of fibers and textiles in a contemporary art context.
Visiting artists
Through the McKinney Visiting Artist Series, the fibers program hosts nationally and internationally recognized artists to meet with students, present their work, and give workshops and individual critiques.
Some of our past visiting artists include:
- Sonya Clark
- Aboubakar Fofana
- Indira Allegra
- Ben Cuervas
- Lauren Fensterstock
- Jen Bervin
Alumni making their mark
Joey Quiñones, Head of Fibers, Cranbrook Academy of Art
Alysha Kupferer, Associate Professor & Textile & Fashion Design Program Chair, Maine College of Art
Emily Yurkevicz, Assistant Professor, Studio Art, Grinnell College
Jakkai Siributr, independent artist, Thailand
Amanda Baxter, Owner, Shiny Dime Fibers
Anne Luben, Independent Artist