ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Throughout history, every culture has gathered fiber together and swept. Brooms, brushes, and sweeping are an intimate part of our collective domestic history, and Julia Tait Dickenson proudly creates her pieces as an extension of that time-honored tradition.

Her work showcases pieces that are both recognizable in their original form and strikingly transformed into something entirely new. Julia delights in finding discarded objects and discovering innovative ways to create brooms and brushes, seamlessly incorporating traditional processes with found objects that have been used and feel good in the hand.

This exhibition highlights her recent experimentation with abstract ideas, challenging both her own creativity and traditional confines to create new, unexpected broom structures. Through this process, she beautifully captures and preserves the feeling of an object's original use while breathing new life into it.

Julia lived in Santa Fe in the late 1980s and 90s, making her living as a jeweler, before returning from Vermont in 2021 as a fiber artist and broom maker under her studio name, Thinair Goods. We were honored to have Julia as an artist-in-residence here at El Zaguán until 2025. Currently, her studio is located in the historic downtown Santa Fe area, where she warmly welcomes visitors.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

Join us for a hands-on workshop led by Julia Tait Dickenson of Thinair Goods, a celebrated former resident artist right here at El Zaguán!

Over the course of 3 hours, Julia will introduce you to the beautiful, time-honored craft of broom-making. You will handcraft two distinct pieces: a charming mini “keyboard” broom and a larger traditional hand whisk broom.

You’ll learn the foundational techniques of tension-wrapping and decorative stitching to construct your brooms. All materials are provided— No experience is necessary— learn from a wonderful local maker, tap into your own creativity, and go home with two beautiful, functional pieces of art!

Additionally, you will receive a private tour of the Broom Room exhibit with artist Julia Tait Dickenson. This will allow you to explore how the techniques used in the workshop are reflected in the pieces displayed in the gallery.