Arpilleras: Textiles of Resistance

Two 5-week Instructional Sessions

This class is inspired by the Chilean arpilleras. Arpilleras are brightly-colored patchwork pictures stitched onto cloth which chronicle the life of the poor and oppressed in Chile in the 1970s and 1980s. To the women, making arpilleras was a way to share their sorrow and concerns with each other, and eventually the world. Stitching together is a quiet, but very powerful act of resistance and community-building. Students will learn and incorporate various fiber techniques (piecing, appliqué, weaving, crochet, needle felting, stitch) to tell a story in tapestry or a textile book form.

Join us for one 5 week session, or sign up for all ten weeks, Wednesday evenings, 5-7:00 PM, October 1 – December 10. Adults of all ages will work with artist Teri Carson in a cross-gernerational setting to build community, share stories, and make our voices heard through textile arts. Some participants may be invited to sell their pieces for inclusion in a final tapestry to be exhibited at the Impact House in Chicago.

SESSION ONE: October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

SESSION TWO: November 5, 12, 19, December 3, 10

Workshop cost: $50 for one five week session or $75 for all ten sessions.

Fee includes all materials needed. Scholarships available. Contact us at [email protected].

Special thanks to Innovation 80 for supporting this community experience.

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