Indigenous Weaving

media release: This workshop introduces weaving, where you will learn all the basics, and at the end, you will come away with your own weaving. This workshop is suitable for families as the workshop is structured to learn as a group.

Various looms were often used within Indigenous communities, such as a frame loom, backstrap loom, finger weaving, etc. You will learn how to weave using different looms and how to set up your first warp, basic tapestry weaving, and hand-weaving techniques, including Plain Weave and Twills. Families will then experiment with various yarns and materials and learn about the many ways to weave through Indigenous textile history.

Each student will be given everything they need to create their weaving for the workshop. We will provide you with a basic weaving kit to take home, and you will also have use of any extra fibers and materials that remain at the end of the day.

Snacks will be provided. You may also bring a lunch. 

Instructor: Dakota Mace (Diné) is an interdisciplinary artist whose work focuses on translating the language of Diné history and beliefs through alternative photography techniques, weaving, beadwork, and papermaking. Mace received her MA and MFA degrees in Photography and Textile Design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her BFA in Photography from the Institute of American Indian Arts. As a Diné artist, her work draws from the history of her family lineage, community, and identity.

By registering for this course, I agree to the following statements:

GENERAL PARTICIPATION AND CONSENT FORM

PERMISSION TO PARTICIPATE: I consent for the registered student to participate in creative programming at Arts + Literature Laboratory.

MEDICAL CONSENT: If I cannot be reached in the event of an emergency, I give permission for any care or treatment by a physician, surgeon, hospital, nurse, doctor's assistant, or medical care facility that may be required.

PHOTO RELEASE: I grant permission for ALL to take and use images of the registered participant and/or their art in print or digital publications, including social media. This will help ALL celebrate the wonderful work of the participants and artists. I recognize that staff will ask the participant for permission before taking their photograph. I recognize that I may opt out of this media release by informing staff that I would not like the registered participant to be photographed, or for screen shots of their work or likeness to be taken.

TOURS AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD: With advance notice to families, some groups may take short tours around the neighborhood to gather inspiration for their class. Groups will always be supervised or, in the case of online classes, given clear instruction for independent participation in field work. Families may opt out of these tours by informing staff prior to the start of class.

SNACKS, WATER BOTTLES, EPIPENS, INHALERS, AND OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS: Families may send snacks with their child to consume during breaks and transition periods; modest snacks may also be available on site. Families can leave EpiPens, inhalers, and other necessary items with staff or in a safe place with the student, such as a backpack that stays with the student during classes. Water bottles are encouraged but not required. Students and families are responsible for making sure they have all of their belongings and art projects at the end of class.

ONLINE PROGRAMS: Online programs may be administered by email, video chat programs, or other free-to-families software, and that families must have a current email address on file in order to receive documents or course links. ALL will work to make program materials accessible to the best of its ability, and that access to hard copies of web programs may require additional fees in order to cover printing or mailing. While ALL will promote safe online behaviors, participation in online forums, social hashtags, and other web platforms may require families or partnering agencies to establish their own expectations or boundaries with youth regarding healthy participation in ALL's online programs.

WAIVER AND RELEASE: I agree to waive relinquish, discharge, release, and covenant not to sue Arts & Literature Lab, Inc. and its officers, directors, employees, agents and volunteers, from any and all rights, claims of injury, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities or loss that I, or my minor child/ward, or other family member may have or that may accrue to me, my minor child/ward, or other family members arising out of, connected with, or in any way associated with my or my child’s/ward’s participation in the creative programming at Arts + Literature Laboratory.