Phyllis Fredendall PC102 Mapping Memory- the Felt Journey

Phyllis approaches felting as an art, she is a busy Associate Professor of Fiber and Fashion Design at Finlandia University in Hancock Michigan. Her medium choice is wool. Phyllis studied felting in Finland in 1997. She travels to Finland yearly and has many stories to share about her experiences. Phyllis teaches weaving and off loom structures, garment and surface design at Finlandia. The students love her and she enjoys working with them and encouraging them to be creative.

I attended one of her students Art shows and Fashion show and it was well worth the one hour drive (each way) to see what these students have accomplished. Check one of my very first blogs for samples of her students work in the Jacquard weaving class. Each semester her students led by Phyllis put on a fashion show that is very exciting, not to mention the Art work that they also have in the Gallery. See Jacquard weaving class blogs July 20 2010.

In her pre conference 3 day workshop you will experience wool an art medium. The workshop will include color study through dyeing, and color blending with hand and drum carders. Felting surface effects will be explored through technical work and artistic expression.

This Piece is called "Miners' Ascent" it was commissioned by the Friends of the VanPelt-Opie Library at Michigan Tech. Phyllis completed it for an October 2008 dedication. Visitors to the conference will be able to see it during library hours.

These two pieces are installed in Jämsä, Finland.

These were created while in residence at the Petäjävesi Felt Center. She has been incorporating silk organza in her work for awhile. It creates openness in the wool structure allowing reflection and a textural change.

This is "Spring Flow"and "Ascent through Light."

"January Morning" is entirely a needle felted piece

Phyllis is also responsible for setting up the Local Gallery Exhibits for Northern Wefts 2011 that you will enjoy during Northern Wefts 2011. These Galleries will have Artist Receptions in Calumet Wednesday night; you will be able to take a Trolley ride aboard the Red Jacket Trolley between 6:30 and 9:30. If you have not signed up for the trolley ride Calumet is a short 15 minute drive north of Hancock.

On Thursday afternoon from about 3:00 to 5:00 there will also be Artist receptions in Hancock, Anna Ritta Liisa Haavisto will be at the Finnish American Heritage Center and Sheila O’Hara will be at the Copper Country Community Arts Center both a short walk from the dorm. Look for these listings in the Conference Schedule you will receive at registration. The Finlandia Students will show their work in the Jutila Center where most of the conference workshops will be held. Exhibits will be open all week some longer.

The Rozsa Center at Michigan Tech will also have a display of costume designs by Chris Rumery for your enjoyment.

If you enjoy the Gallery Exhibit please thank Phyllis for organizing these exhibits.

Please join Phyllis for her felting experience at Northern Wefts 2011 - Preconference workshop PC102 ‘Mapping Memories – a Felt Journey’ June 20-23.