ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Throughout history, every culture has gathered fiber together and swept.  Brooms, brushes and sweeping are a part of our collective domestic history, and I proudly create my pieces as a part of that tradition. This exhibition showcases pieces that are both recognizable in their original form and strikingly transformed into something entirely new. I delight in finding discarded objects and in discovering new ways of creating brooms and brushes. I incorporate traditional processes with found objects that have been used and feel good in your hand. This show has allowed me to experiment with abstract ideas and challenge my creativity and traditional confines to create new, unexpected broom structures. I hope to capture and preserve the feeling of an object's original use while creating something entirely new.

I lived in Santa Fe in the late 80's & 90's, making my living as a jeweler and then moved back from Vermont in 2021 as a fiber artist/ broom maker. I was honored to be an artist in residence here at El Zaguan until 2025, and currently, my studio is located in the historic Santa Fe downtown area; I welcome visitors anytime.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

In this workshop, you will spend three hours creating two different types of small brushes. The first brush will have a paintbrush-style design, made with horsehair and dried cholla. The second will be a small Tampico brush that is wrapped and sewn. All materials will be provided, and if time permits, participants can create multiple Tampico brushes.

Additionally, you will receive a private tour of the Broom Room exhibit with artist Julia Tait Dickenson. This will give you the opportunity to explore how the techniques used in the workshop are reflected in the pieces displayed in the gallery. As a resident of El Zaguan, Julia is also happy to offer a tour of her on-site studio to anyone interested.