January 2025

Thank YOU

For being a part of the EVFAC community in 2024!

In 2024 we:

✨ Completed the first phase of our heating/cooling system upgrade with a state-of-the-art Mini-Split system! Soon we’ll be installing the second phase - solar panels on our roof - and by March of 2025 EVFAC will be running on 97% solar! This project was made possible with a generous donation from Glenn and Carol Pearsall! 

✨ Hosted 354 students in 69 classes!

✨ Sold $23,266 of member-artist’s consignment work in our retail space!

✨ Took on 9 Apprentices in our 2nd round of the Ariat-Chimayo Weaving Apprenticeship Program! Currently the apprentices weave for Centinela, Trujillos and Ortegas galleries in Chimayo.

✨ Launched our Youth Fiber Studio program with a 4-week summer camp that hosted 23 young people aged 9-15 in 4 classes!

✨ Began generative, long-term partnerships with local organizations including the Northern Youth Project and United Way of Northern New Mexico. We also found sponsorship and support through several other local foundations and businesses!

✨ Our largest Fall Fiber Fiesta to date expanded into the Montezuma Lodge, featuring over 40 artist-vendors!

✨ We expanded our team by transitioning our Director to full-time, increasing our Retail Manager's hours and compensation, and hiring a part-time retail associate. All three staff members now receive some basic benefits.

At EVFAC

✨ January 11th - Spinning Adventures Group meets from 12-3pm!

✨ January 16th - EVFAC’s ALL MEMBERS Board Meeting, 4-6pm - you’re invited! Help us brainstorm fundraising ideas!

✨ January 19th - Rigid Heddle Support Group meets from 12-3pm!

✨ January 29th - EVFAC’s Lecture Series Presents: ARTISTS ENGAGED: NEW MEXICO - a special film screening followed by a Q&A with the producers, 5:30-7pm. This is a free event but space is limited - RSVP here

✨ Launching in February - Rigid Heddle Weaving Teacher Training from the Youth Fiber Studio! Applications are open! Continue reading for details….

Beginning in February 2025 EVFAC's Youth Fiber Studio program is excited to begin offering a series of 15-hour paid teacher trainings in rigid heddle weaving. Upon completion of this two-day training, school teachers are provided with complete weaving equipment for their classrooms including portable rigid heddle looms, tools, and materials at no cost. 

Youth instructors can pursue opportunities in afterschool programs, teaching assistantships, and EVFAC's summer camp program in June.

The number of trainings offered will depend on interest and funding.

Click below to learn more and apply, or pass along to your teacher friends!

EVFAC’s Lecture Series is pleased to host the live screening of ARTISTS ENGAGED: NEW MEXICO followed by a Q&A with the creators/producers, ACVilla and Thollem McDonas (La Villita) and guests. It is the third episode of the duo's long-term project chronicling the work artists throughout the U.S. are doing in response to the needs of their communities and the dynamics of the world.

For over a decade, ACVilla and Thollem McDonas have gathered documentation and experiences throughout the States, and are publishing monologues as well as video montages of murals around the country.

This segment focuses on New Mexico-based artists and organizations dedicated to their communities both near and far, including Little Globe (Santa Fe), Dylan Tenorio (Kewa artist), America Meredith (Cherokee Nation, editor of First American Art Magazine), Matthew Contos (SITE SF), Working Classroom (Abq), Moving Arts (Española), Scott Moore (Beautiful Midden, Taos), and more. Woven into the episode are murals ACVilla has gathered on their travels around the state, including Nani Chacon's creation here at EVFAC.

As with this screening, all episodes are freely streamable. You can view the first two and read more about the duo and the project at www.artistsengaged.com.

Supported by the Fulcrum Fund and 516Arts (Abq), as well as individuals throughout the country.

This is a free event however space is limited.

Please RSVP here

https://form.jotform.com/250064592110042

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. 

Calls for Participation

Dear Members,

The Española Valley Fiber Arts Center Board of Directors will be meeting on Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at 4:00PM.

We encourage all members to attend. We will be discussing future fundraising ideas and options and would like everyone’s input! 176 heads are better than one (or 6!)

The meeting will be conducted on Zoom. Please email board@nmfiberartscenter.org to receive a Zoom link. Look for the email the day of the meeting.

Thank you for your continuing support and we hope to see you there!

Join us as a member to enjoy discounts on classes and shop supplies, plus access to consignment opportunities, shows, and more!

Bring your in-process fiber projects and join EVFAC members this Saturday in Taos at the Martinez Hacienda for a Spin Off! Director Kim Zitzow and Youth Fiber Studio instructor Peg Ickes will be demoing on the rigid heddle loom - 3D printed by our very own Board Vice President Mark Bond! There will also be an extra warped loom for folks to try!

Maria Jonsson and Mary Pahl - both members of our Board of Directors - will be there as well sharing mosiac crochet and other fiber projects too!

This event is hosted by Roy Kady (Diné) who is also on our Board of Directors, alongside Tyrrell Tapaha (Diné) who has taught here at EVFAC, and Futuros Ancestral, a weaving, research and design studio based in Taos.

Aaaaannnnd it’s a potluck! YUM!

Hope to see you there!!

Around Town

Purchase tickets here for this immersive weaving event on Saturday January 18th at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture! Featuring EVFAC teachers Lynda Teller Pete (Diné), Tyrrell Tapaha (Diné) and Kevin Aspaas (Diné)!

Click the image below to visit our online store and purchase the catalog to the incredibly innovative and comprehensive exhibition, Horizons: Weaving Between the Lines, curated by weavers.

As a 501(c)3 organization, EVFAC strives to balance professional, living-wage compensation for our teaching artists with affordable class prices, scholarships, and free youth programs. Through grants and vital member-donor support, we maintain this vital balance. Your continued generosity makes our mission possible.