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Date: 4/4/2022
BELCHERTOWN – Jules Petersen throws open the doors of her barn and begins arranging chairs for people she’s having over to learn about creating art out of fiber. Petersen is just back from attending a weaving school in Shelburne, and she’s become an apostle of fiber art.
“I was inspired to turn around and start sharing what I had learned with other people for free. There is a lot of great people and amateur hobbyists who work with fiber. I want to share this cool art form, which I have fallen in love with,” she said.
Petersen has received more than $700 from local arts councils in Belchertown, Amherst, Pelham and South Hadley to put on an event called “Making Space for the Fiber-curious.” She plans to welcome just about two dozen people to her barn every Saturday from April 9-May 29 to learn about creating art out of fiber.
“When you fall in love with the fiber arts you often dip a toe into many areas – knitting, crocheting, sewing, spinning, dyeing – even growing your own fiber,” said Petersen. “Fiber arts can also be making tapestries, quilts, blankets and decorating T-shirts.”
Petersen is putting out a call to fellow members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) community to attend her free, weekly events. She’s focusing on this community to bring some diversity to the fiber arts.
“I wanted to invite a smaller demographic of people just because the traditional clientele is older, wealthier women. I want a lot of different people to access fiber and weaving,” she said.
Petersen is stopping short of saying she’s putting on classes. There won’t be any designated instructors. It’s rather a community event where people with little, a lot or even no knowledge of fiber arts can get together, share ideas and learn from each other.
“I think everyone will have something of value to contribute, whether it’s questions or advice. I love community events where people can learn from each other. I want to encourage conversation, community building and friendships around fiber,” she said.
Petersen said people may come with their own fiber and tools, or nothing but an interest in the fiber arts. She’s used the grant money to buy equipment, fiber, books and accessories.
“My hope is that people will learn something new and feel confident enough to try a new kind of art form. I’m excited to see what people bring in terms of projects and ideas,” said Petersen.
Professionally, Petersen works as a personal care assistant and data entry associate – but what really excites her is weaving fiber art into the fabric of her life.
“I can’t stop making things with fiber, I can’t stop thinking about fiber. I’m working a few jobs right now, but I keep coming back to fiber as a hobby and soul-feeding endeavor,” she said.
Petersen loves the arts and could have expressed herself on a potter’s wheel, or with a pen or paintbrush – but she’s chosen fiber.
“Fiber surrounds us. Every part of our lives involves some kind of fiber. It can be something mundane or very sacred. Part of my attraction to it is how many different things it can do and be,” said Petersen.
For more information about attending the free Saturday events, visit Tinyurl.com/fiber2022 or email julescollaborates@gmail.com. You must be a member of the LGBTQ community to attend.