What is LAFTA?
Founded in 1995, Louisville Area Fiber and Textile Artists (LAFTA) is an organization of visual artists whose work encompasses a variety of surface design and construction techniques, focusing on fibers, textiles and beads.
Our mission is to provide support to our members and to increase community awareness of fiber and textile art.
Upcoming LAFTA Events:
LVA Open Studios from 12 - 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, November 14 and 15
LAFTA monthly meeting - St. Mark’s Church
Thursday, November 19
Women’s Work: The Art and Craft of Weaving in Rural Morocco by Alia Kate.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Meeting at 6:30. We will have grab bag, and show and tell after the speaker. Guests are welcome. Also on Zoom.
Morocco is a country known for the intricacy and breadth of its craftsmanship. While men produce many of the country's artisanal goods, rug weaving has, for centuries, been the domain of women. Across Morocco’s tribal regions, distinct weaving styles reflect local histories, outside influences, and the aesthetics of the Amaizgh, the indigenous artisans. As stewards of cultural knowledge, these women weavers hold a respected place within their communities.
This lecture examines the history of weaving in rural Morocco, tracing the transformation of the woven rug from a domestic practice to a global commodity. It concludes by considering the most significant changes that have shaped Morocco's cottage rug weaving industry over the past two decades.
Speaker background: Alia has lived and worked in half a dozen countries throughout the world, cultivating a career which revolves around social innovation, community development, and experiential art and education. She is the owner of Kantara, a fair-trade design business that specializes in Moroccan rugs. Through Kantara, Alia works directly with weaving cooperatives in Morocco and is committed to fostering economic development of the women artisans through ethical business practices. Since 2019, she has led tours in Morocco for Kantara Tours and with Smithsonian Journeys as one of their Morocco experts. Alia holds an executive MBA and is a graduate of Oberlin College where she studied International Relations with a focus on Southwest Asia and North Africa.
While this meeting will be via Zoom, member Briana Frederick will bring various rugs and other textiles from Morocco so you can experience them in person. Bri met Alia while serving in Peace Corps Morocco. Members of Cooperative Atma, who Bri lived and worked with in the small village of Ait Hamza, are weavers Alia still works closely with.
Holiday Party, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2822 Frankfort Ave.
Thursday, December 17, 6 p.m. - until we’re done.
The December meeting is our Holiday Party on December 17 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church from 6 pm until we're done. Please bring finger foods, appetizers, and sweets to share. The meeting and party is for members only.
A highlight of our evening is the gift exchange of our original work of art. The item should be in the $20-$25 price range if you were to sell it and must be made by the giver. Participation is optional. Our party is always like a mini LAFTA art exhibit with great examples of our creativity!
January 2027
Gel Printing Workshop
Saturday, January 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. St. Mark’s Church.
February 2027
Kumihimo Braiding Workshop
Saturday, February 27 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cotton to Quilts.
Upcoming LAFTA Workshops
Registration is open for 3 more LAFTA workshops! These are offered to LAFTA members without a registration fee; presenters charge a supplies fee to cover the cost of materials. That fee is due at the time the workshop meets.
Gel Printing Workshop
Elizabeth Riggle will offer her all-day Gel Printing workshop at St. Marks Church on Jan 9, 2027, from 9 am to 4 pm. Register with Debbie Hoblitzell at d.c.hoblitzell@gmail.com. Your $30 supply fee covers the tools you'll need - gel plate, brayer, and more. You'll need to bring any papers you wish to try, favorite acrylic paints, stencils, stamps, "found objects" (bubble wrap, cardboard, foil, yarn or rope), scissors, magazine or other paper to roll off unused paint, a roll of paper towels, apron, disposable gloves, link to video. https://drive.google.com/file/
Kumihimo Braiding Workshop
Rosa Roma will offer her workshop on Kumihimo Braiding techniques and variations on Feb 27, 2027 from 10 am to 4 pm at Cotton to Quilts, 2416 Frankfort Avenue, Suite 1. Your $25 fee covers all needed tools and supplies to learn two or more kumihimo braiding techniques. Register with Debbie Hoblitzell at d.c.hoblitzell@gmail.com.
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