Presented by McColl Center

Felt Memories Workshop with Artist-in-Residence Nastassja Swift

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About This Event

Join current Artist-in-Resicdence Nastassja Swift for this engaging, hands on workshop at McColl Center.

Felt Memories 

When was the last time you looked through that box of old family and childhood photos? In this workshop, we will source imagery from some of our fondest memories to recreate a two-dimensional felted portrait with wool. Using a piece of felt fabric to size, we will apply transfer methods to allow for an exact fiber replica of the original photo. Then, with a specific set of needles, we will add all the details needed to bring these moments to life. Once completed, you’ll leave this workshop with a hand crafted retelling of a story you once lived. 

All materials are provided, though you will need a physical copy of your image: a 5x7 photo size, or similar is recommended. 

 

About the Artist:

Nastassja E. Swift is a multi-disciplinary artist and a Virginia Commonwealth University alum, holding a BFA in Painting and Printmaking, and Craft and Material Studies. Most recently, Nastassja was selected as the 2024 Textile Society of America Brandford/Elliott Awardee. She is a 2023 recipient of the Center for Craft: Craft Research Fund Artist Fellowship, a VMFA Fellowship and a Virginia Commission of the Arts Fellowship, among many others.

Nastassja has exhibited and presented her work in institutions nationally and internationally including VCUQatar, Carl Freedman Gallery in the UK, and multiple cities across the U.S. Her work has been acquired into several collections, including, most recently, the Tweed Museum of Art of the University of Minnesota. She has participated in several residencies including the Vermont Studio Center, the Wassaic Project in NY, MASS MoCA and has been invited as a Distinguished Fellow at the Penland School of Craft.

Nastassja is currently living and working in Virginia.

About This Event

Join current Artist-in-Resicdence Nastassja Swift for this engaging, hands on workshop at McColl Center.

Felt Memories 

When was the last time you looked through that box of old family and childhood photos? In this workshop, we will source imagery from some of our fondest memories to recreate a two-dimensional felted portrait with wool. Using a piece of felt fabric to size, we will apply transfer methods to allow for an exact fiber replica of the original photo. Then, with a specific set of needles, we will add all the details needed to bring these moments to life. Once completed, you’ll leave this workshop with a hand crafted retelling of a story you once lived. 

All materials are provided, though you will need a physical copy of your image: a 5x7 photo size, or similar is recommended. 

 

About the Artist:

Nastassja E. Swift is a multi-disciplinary artist and a Virginia Commonwealth University alum, holding a BFA in Painting and Printmaking, and Craft and Material Studies. Most recently, Nastassja was selected as the 2024 Textile Society of America Brandford/Elliott Awardee. She is a 2023 recipient of the Center for Craft: Craft Research Fund Artist Fellowship, a VMFA Fellowship and a Virginia Commission of the Arts Fellowship, among many others.

Nastassja has exhibited and presented her work in institutions nationally and internationally including VCUQatar, Carl Freedman Gallery in the UK, and multiple cities across the U.S. Her work has been acquired into several collections, including, most recently, the Tweed Museum of Art of the University of Minnesota. She has participated in several residencies including the Vermont Studio Center, the Wassaic Project in NY, MASS MoCA and has been invited as a Distinguished Fellow at the Penland School of Craft.

Nastassja is currently living and working in Virginia.

Getting There

McColl Center
721 N Tryon St
Charlotte, NC 28202