The fibers area at the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design supports an expansive approach to fiber and material studies. The technical, conceptual, and creative aspects of fibers and textiles are interlaced in the curriculum, enabling students to challenge how fiber interacts with contemporary practice in form and in content. Students pursue thematic and material investigations that further their understanding of both historical contexts and contemporary applications.
Fibers in a contemporary art practice
Choose from three dynamic degree paths
Dye, stitch, weave, and more
Fibers facilities are located in a large space with generous natural light on the second floor of the Fine Arts Building. The fibers studio is equipped with 25 Macomber looms, as well as a 32-harness compu-dobby loom.
Silkscreen exposure space and equipment, computers and related software for digital design and printing, and a fully equipped dye lab are available to students. Fibers facilities also include critique rooms in the McCalla School.
B.F.A. + M.F.A. studios
Students in the M.F.A. program in fibers are provided individual studio spaces, located in the McCalla School basement. Because the building also houses sculpture facilities, M.F.A. fibers students have access to tools and equipment in the wood shop and metal shop. B.F.A. students are provided a shared studio in the Fine Arts Building, encouraging collaboration and community within the program. B.F.A. students also have access to the dye lab, silkscreen exposure space, and computer labs.
Tools + Equipment
Fibers Studio
- Macomber Looms (25)
- 32-harness compu-dobby loom
- 30-foot print tables (2)
- Bullet steamer
- Drum carders (4)
- Bernina tabletop sewing machines (10)
- Juki industrial straight-stitch
- Juki industrial serger
- Computers (3) and related software for digital design
- Epson 9000 digital printer
- Spinning wheels (2)
- Industrial steam iron
Silkscreen exposure (darkroom exposure) room
- Vacuum exposure unit
- Washer and dryer
- Washout sink
Dye lab
- Gas burners (16)
- Hood vent
- Drying racks
Text + texture
Students are encouraged to explore the interdisciplinary, relational, performative, historical, cultural, social, and site-specific nature of fibers and textiles in a contemporary art context.
Visiting artists
Through the McKinney Visiting Artist Series, the fibers program hosts nationally and internationally recognized artists to meet with students, present their work, and give workshops and individual critiques.
Some of our past visiting artists include:
View upcoming visiting artistsAlumni making their mark
Renie B. Adams
Renie B. Adams currently works in a fiber arts position at the School of Art at Northern Illinois University, where she teaches workshops for beginners in fiber techniques with emphasis on design and expression. Her work is featured in a variety of national collections, including those at the Museum of Art and Design in New York City and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
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