(Minneapolis; October 18, 2019) ─ At a time when protecting the earth’s natural resources, eco systems, climate, and atmosphere for the next generation is top of mind, Textile Center’s 2019 Holiday Gallery Shop will feature a plethora of earth-friendly fiber gifts. The Shop showcases an abundance of eco-friendly merchandise, ranging from sustainable, organic, or local fibers; naturally or over-dyed textiles; repurposed materials, upcycled fashions, and even items to help one live a more sustainable life.

The 2019 featured artist, Wendy Richardson of Brooklyn Park, Minn., showcases hand-dyed and embroidered vintage linens. Her motto is “Seduced by Color,” and she specializes in over-dyed vintage textiles, accessories, apparel, and quilt fabrics. She will be featured among 100+ artists’ handcrafted work at this year’s Holiday Gallery Shop.

The Holiday Gallery Shop carries exquisite handmade fiber art, from wearables, to home décor and gifts, along with books, professional art supplies and tools, fiber craft kits, and other unique finds. For the holidays, Textile Center pops up to more than triple its regular footprint, filling the galleries with even more fabulous one-of-a-kind fiber art, just in time for gift giving.

New for 2019: Indian Artisan Textiles

As part of the Holiday Gallery Shop, Abdul Jabbar Khatri and Sufiyan Khatri, artisans from Bhuj, Gujarat, India, bring to Textile Center’s Studio Gallery a selection of accessories and textiles made from historic techniques, which provide incredible opportunities to support Indian artisans, mainly women, in their communities.

Abdul Jabbar Khatri founded SIDRcraft with his brother Abdullah over 20 years ago in Kutch, India, to continue the family tradition of Bandani, a centuries-old technique of micro tie dye that produces exquisite pattern, design and texture on fabric. SIDRcraft ensures the continuation high quality Bandhani and promotes economic independence for village artisans.

Sufiyan Ismail Khatri is a 10th generation artisan whose family has been involved in the art of Ajrakh block printing since the 15th century. As a child he grew up listening to lots of stories about Ajrakh, its traditions and philosophy. By the time he was 14 years old, he was an apprentice to his grandfather, who shaped his thinking and understanding of the craft. For Khatri and his community, Ajrakh is a way of life. Working in the Ajrakh craft workshops not only gradually leads to an increase in important skills, but also continues to act as an important medium of education, nourishment, and philosophy in their community.

MEET THE MAKER FESTS
Each Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm, the Holiday Gallery Shop hosts artists in person with trunk shows, demonstrations of their technique, hands-on “try it” opportunities, prize drawings, and more.

• Saturday, Nov. 2: Punch Needle Fest • You’ve watched it on YouTube, now see it in person with certified Oxford Punch Needle artists, and purchase art or the supplies you need to DIY.
• Saturday, Nov. 9: Dye & Print Fest • Meet and shop work from featured artist Wendy Richardson and other artists using dyeing or printing techniques.
• Saturday, Nov. 16: Weave Fest • Learn about locally made Beka looms; give them a try before you buy! Also: Shop the first Yard & Yarn Fiber Arts Market presented by Minneapolis Craft Market.
• Saturday, Nov. 23: Stitch Fest • From hand to machine, stitching is what it is all about.
• Friday, Nov. 29: Black Friday: Upcycle Fest • Feel good about fiber gifts that are made from transformed materials -- mittens crafted from upcycled sweaters, plants made from upcycled fabric and vessels, and more!
• Saturday, Nov. 30: Small Business Saturday: Needle Felting Fest • Shop art created by felting wool fibers with special needle felting tools, and give it a try yourself.
• Saturday, Dec. 7: Members Fest • Special discount for our 1,000+ members! Author Event: 11-year-old crochet prodigy Jonah Larson presents his book, Hello, Crochet Friends!
• Saturday, Dec. 14: Eco Fest • A variety of eco-friendly fiber art for great gift options.

TEXTILE CENTER – A NATIONAL CENTER FOR FIBER ART
Textile Center is unique as America's national center with a mission to honor textile traditions, promote excellence and innovation, and inspire widespread participation in fiber art. The Center’s facility includes fiber art galleries, an artisan shop, the region’s only accessible professional-grade dye lab, and one of the nation's largest circulating textile libraries. Textile Center produces more than 200 classes a year and the Youth Fiber Art Guild™. A dynamic hub of fiber activity for 25 years, Textile Center is located in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Minneapolis – centrally located and easily accessed via public transportation or car – and brings people together in community to learn, create, share and be inspired by fiber art.

For more information, visit:
http://textilecentermn.org