Fiber arts on display at Sisters Library

Several hard-working members of the Central Oregon Spinners and Weavers Guild have a beautiful textile exhibit on display throughout the Sisters Library for the entire month of June.

The guild has more than 55 members, and there are 51 pieces of fiber art on exhibit, including examples of weaving and spinning of natural fibers and felting.

"Spinning wool and other natural fibers and weaving them into cloth is one of the most ancient of arts and crafts," said Linda Davis, guild member, Sisters resident and also a member of the Friends of the Sisters Library Art Committee that sponsors art exhibits at the library.

"The practice of weaving and spinning goes back at least to 5,000 B.C. - and probably even earlier," Davis said. "It was the next step after animal skins for clothing the body."

While the industrial revolution changed the practice considerably, with the introduction of synthetic fibers and automatic weaving machinery, there are many people throughout the world who are still engaged in spinning and weaving as a means of personal survival, livelihood, or for sheer pleasure.

"For those engaged in the wonderful endeavor of spinning and weaving, the charm of warp and weft cannot be explained," Davis says.

The variety of crafts are going through a growth period as people renew their appreciation for natural fibers, sustainability and one-of-a-kind pieces of fiber art.

Those interested in the fiber arts may contact the guild through the Web site: http://www.northwestweavers.org. Go to Member Guilds and choose Oregon.