The textile arts program at Capilano University is shutting down after 40 years due to budget cuts, but not without first showcasing the talents of its final graduating class.
The 2014 Capilano University Textile Arts Grad Show runs May 6 to 25 at the Ferry Building Gallery in West Vancouver and will feature the work of 23 students. This final year-end exhibit represents the graduating work of the two-year diploma program and the one-year advanced certificate program. Cap's textile arts program, along with studio arts and several other programs and courses, have been axed in order to make up for a $1.3-million deficit in 2013. The university's board of governor's voted on the cuts last spring.
Student creations on display in West Vancouver will reflect a wide range of approaches and techniques revolving around two core disciplines: weaving and surface design.
Surface design techniques include natural dyes, chemical dyes, hand or machine embroidery, appliqué and silk screen printing. As for weaving, students have learned to use the traditional four-harness loom, as well as the more modern Jacquard loom, which allows the artist to weave a digitally created image into the cloth.
Finished projects this year include sculptures, wall tapestries, household textiles, wearable garments and even children's toys.
Past grads of the textile arts program have gone on to work professionally as artists, crafts people or designers in fashion or interior design. Others have found employment in film or theatre productions or work for arts organizations or related businesses.
The Ferry Building Gallery is located at 1414 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. An opening reception will take place on Tuesday, May 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. Visitors will have a chance to meet the artists on Saturday, May 10 from 2 to 3 p.m.
