Gala Reception for “Domestic to Decorative”

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the opening reception for Scandinavian Weavers’ new exhibit “Domestic to Decorative: The Evolution of Nordic Weaving.” The exhibit is on view at the Red Wing Arts gallery through December 24. (Please see the Red Wing Arts website for hours.)

Scan Weavers present at the reception. Back row: Edi Thorstensson, Peg Hanssen, Melba Granlund, Kala Exworthy, Mary Skoy, Lisa Torvik. Front row: Nancy Ellison, Nancy Pedigo, Jan Mostrom, Lisa-Anne Bauch, Barb Yarusso.

Scan Weaver Kevin Olsen and his Norwegian tapestry Nativity.

Special thanks to Edi Thorstensson and Nancy Ellison, who demonstrated weaving techniques.

Edi and Nancy compare weaving techniques. Edi wove a band using a hand-carved heddle, while Nancy wove rya on a Norwegian cradle loom.

Tremendous thanks to Red Wing Arts Program Director Heather Lorenz and Gallery Manager Shawn Niebeling, who championed this exhibit and made the entire experience a joy.

Scan Weavers member Peg Hansen, who regularly volunteers at Red Wing Arts, provided hospitality in her Norwegian bunad.

Members of the Zumbro River fiber arts guild watch closely while Nancy demonstrates rya weaving on her hand-painted cradle loom.

Lisa Torvik shows Mary Skoy the antique coverlet from the Sogn region that inspired her transparencies.

Scan Weavers Barb Yarusso, Mary Skoy, and Edi Thorstensson generously lent the heirloom textiles that inspired their weaving. Jane Connett’s colorful weavings are in the background.

Peg Hansen and her daughters Bitsy Joy and Rachel Hansen Morris collaborated on Tidligere Kvinner.

Kala Exworthy takes a moment to enjoy the Red Wing Arts shop. (Highly recommended!)