Many strands of braided materials, a mermaid included, are woven through a grid of orange construction fencing to create a large community tapestry during the June 27 Wiscasset Art Walk.
Colorful ribbons, buttons, tulle, and gorgeous fabric remnants are the art supplies on hand for visitors who want to take part in the community Weaving Project during Wiscasset Art Walk on Thursday, July 25 from 5-8 p.m.
One can walk into the small gallery at 64 Main St. during Wiscasset Art Walk and volunteers will invite visitors to create a woven “strand” by braiding together any of the familiar and quirky materials scattered around the room. Choices about colors, textures, and added decorations are left to the makers.
Once complete, visitors may either take home their braided strand or add it to the large tapestry underway on the Community Weave wall. According to Nancy Roby, a June volunteer, “No one took them home; everyone added their piece to the community wall.”
During the June Wiscasset Art Walk, people from every New England state, from a smattering of other states across the U.S., and from Ontario, Canada, and the United Kingdom all contributed to the nearly wall-sized group weaving. It was a multigenerational event, with children and adults of all ages enjoying the calming experience of braiding: no rules, no mistakes, no bad art.
Alna artist Kate Nordstrom, who was exhibiting several of her large, fanciful paintings in the gallery, commented that it was exciting to see people coming together to share such a creative, hands-on experience.
Vocalist and guitarist Sylvia Tavares took a break from performing in the Weaving Project to try it out for herself. “I watched as curious folks, young and old, drifted into the community space to check out what was going on,” she said. “Everyone joined in with braiding colorful strips of fun fabric. And the orange grid on the wall began to be transformed into a unique, vibrant piece of art as we took turns weaving our braids in and out. I had to jump in and add in a braided piece.”
According to Wiscasset Art Walk coordinator Lucia Droby, “At the end of the Wiscasset Art Walk season, we’ll have a large and magnificent community weaving to memorialize this season of the orange barrels. We don’t know yet where it will be hung, but it will be wonderful and will capture the spirit of our community – welcoming, creative, and magical.”
Materials for the Weaving Project came from area creatives: Teresa Fogg, Fogg Art Restoration; Christine Hopf-Lovette, Asian Accents; On Board Fabric; and crafters Pat Cloutier and Karen K.
Visitors to the Weaving Project during the June 27 Wiscasset Art Walk add their braided strands to a large orange grid to create a community tapestry made of individual strands.
Board game developer Aaron Weissblum prepared the weaving’s grid structure and the orange construction fencing used for the grid was supplied by Wiscasset Town Manager John O’Connell and the town of Wiscasset.
Wiscasset Art Walk is held on the last Thursday of the summer months: June 27, July 25, Aug. 29, and Sept. 26 from 5-8 p.m. Participant sites are marked with colorful streamers and touring maps are available throughout the village. For more information about Wiscasset Art Walk, visit wiscassetartwalk.org or contact Lucia Droby at ludroby@verizon.net.
