Workshop 1:May 16-20th

Workshop 2: May 23rd-27th

Marshall, NC

In this beginning fiber workshop we will explore our relationship to the tactile and natural worlds. Participants will go home equipped with new skills that they can apply to their own creative work.

Amber will guide us as we learn to weave on a floor loom. Workshop participants will experiment by dyeing fiber, learn various applications for integrating it into our own creative artworks. Basket upon basket of natural fiber yarns in a myriad of colors and textures will be provided as we allow ourselves to get lost in play. Morning walks will engage all the senses: feeling our feet move along the trail, running our hands over the mossy rocks and listening to the creek churning. We will ease into our weaving practice, enriched by a sense of place, with a sketchbook offered to participants to record their insights and inspirations. And in the evenings we will all cook potluck meals together and sit around the fire.

As Amber shares her experimental textile techniques over the course of the week, we will begin to weave our own stories into being on a screened-in porch, in the midst of forests of rhododendron.

In addition to the workshop, this week is a fully orchestrated sensory experience where food, drink, nature, shelter, friendship and the joys of creating beautiful things all come together into an inspiring and rejuvenating experience.

This is an intimate gathering, only open to 7. There are 6 private lodging rooms provided in a large shared cabin on top of a mountain. You’ll get your own bedroom and share a bathroom with one of your fellow workshoppers. There are two additional in the beautiful main house where the workshop will take place. The 6 bedroom lodging cabin is just a short, sweet walk to the workshop cabin.

Two of these retreats will be offered this coming May, 2023. The first date is Tuesday May 16-20th (ending at noon). The second retreat offering will be Tuesday May 23rd-27th (ending at noon). Students will arrive the night before day 1 of the workshop anytime after 4pm and we will host a meet and greet with light snacks and wine around 6:30pm.

Please note that you will be responsible for your own meals. That said, we will provide some beverages (both wine and n/a) as well as a lightly stocked kitchen with basics and snacks. We won’t let anyone going hungry! In hopes of making each night a special and inclusive experience, we will host each dinner in a potluck style so workshoppers will only need to make a single dish to share. This is optional, of course but encouraged :) There will be 2 kitchens, outdoor grills, as well as most kitchen tools you may need for preparing meals. The nearest grocery store is a 25 minute drive into our small town of Marshall so please plan ahead of time, bringing your own groceries as you head up to the cabin. Please email amber@ambermjensen.com if you have any questions or concerns relating to meals.

*Since two workshops will be held back to back (with one free day in between) please email me (amber@ambermjensen.com) if you would like to sign up for both workshops. This opportunity would give you additional time to weave and make more beautiful art and I’d be happy to provide the space and time to create a deeper dive into your own art making practice. The price of this would be $4400 for the entire May 16-27th.

Once you sign up, a confirmation email will be sent and within one week an additional email with more information so you can start planning your trip! In it you’ll find the address, a description of the region and other information you may find useful. All beginners welcome.

If you have questions prior to signing up please feel free to email me at amber@ambermjensen.com

CANCELLATION POLICY:

There are no refunds for this workshop, unless I am able to fill your spot. In that case your tuition will be refunded minus a $200 cancellation fee. If the workshop needs to be canceled by me due to personal causes, a public health crisis (COVID), or other acts of nature, you’ll be fully refunded.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS WORKSHOP UNLESS YOU ARE FULLY VACCINATED.