Summer School: Large-Scale Felted Artworks

In this immersive three-day workshop, students will learn the ancient art of wet felting while creating a large-scale wall hanging that celebrates the unique character of Pacific Northwest wool.
Kristina Foley’s work has been EVERYWHERE this past year: from NW art spaces like Marcel in White Salmon, WA, and Hemmings Gallery, in Ketchum ID. Maybe you saw the piece in the NYTimes about Kristina’s felted light coverings at Antica Terra, in Amity, OR? How about her installation at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, featuring Shaniko Wool Company fibers? With all these opportunities knocking, we’re delighted to host Kristina for her first (and only for the year!), large-scale, wet-felting workshop.
Kristina will share her practice, which honors the centuries-old craft of feltmaking through deeply sustainable, regionally-sourced materials - guiding students in transforming raw fleeces from local sheep breeds into expressive works of art.
Working with the natural beauty and varied textures of wool, students will explore both representational and abstract design through wet felting techniques that play with dimensionality, color, blending and opportunities for innovation. Through supportive instruction balanced with individual experimentation, students will develop confidence in designing with natural materials and gain an understanding of how local fiber contributes to both sustainable textile practices and distinctive artistic expression.
Each student will complete a finished, mountable wall hanging (approx. 3.5x3.5’) that reflects their personal vision while honoring the inherent qualities of the wool itself.
In addition to class hours, students in Summer School intensives will have access to open studio hours for the duration of their workshop, and be able to work independently on their projects from 5pm-8pm.