Fibers

Fibers in a contemporary art practice

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.

Tools + Equipment

Fibers Studio
  • Macomber Looms (25)
  • 32-harness compu-dobby loom
  • 30-foot print tables (2)
  • Bullet steamer
  • Drum carders (4)
  • Bernina tabletop sewing machines (10)
  • Juki industrial straight-stitch
  • Juki industrial serger
  • Computers (3) and related software for digital design
  • Epson 9000 digital printer
  • Spinning wheels (2)
  • Industrial steam iron
Silkscreen exposure (darkroom exposure) room
  • Vacuum exposure unit
  • Washer and dryer
  • Washout sink
Dye lab
  • Gas burners (16)
  • Hood vent
  • Drying racks
A plaid fabric hangs on a chair.
A series of oval art pieces on a wall.
A large art installation in a room.

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:

View upcoming visiting artists

Alumni making their mark

An art piece featuring many rows of cartoon faces.

Renie B. Adams

Renie B. Adams currently works in a fiber arts position at the School of Art at Northern Illinois University, where she teaches workshops for beginners in fiber techniques with emphasis on design and expression. Her work is featured in a variety of national collections, including those at the Museum of Art and Design in New York City and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

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