"Beetle," now hanging at Central Oregon Community College's Rotunda Art Gallery in the Barber Library was awarded the HGA Award by the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.

After watching Oregon colleges and universities drop weaving and dyeing classes from the curriculum, Marlene Lloyd worries about the practice of fiber arts dying out.

“They have all eliminated their programs, and to me, it’s really heartbreaking,” Lloyd said. “A lot of the weavers are getting to be elderly and we want to promote younger people to come up through the ranks and continue on the legacy. It’s really important.”

Lloyd, who has served as the education and workshop coordinator at the Weaver’s Guild of Oregon (WeGO) since 2015, hung the Filaments traveling show at the Rotunda Art Gallery in Central Oregon Community College’s (COCC) Barber Library.

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“Filaments,” which is sponsored by WeGO, is on display through Nov. 8. with an opening reception scheduled from 2-4 p.m. Sunday. It features 47 pieces designed to be worn or used in the home such as table runners, blankets, shawls, scarves and wall hangings.

“(The Rotunda Art Gallery) is a natural space that shows off the art pieces beautifully. So we’re very honored to be able to have the exhibit there,” Lloyd said.

According to Library Director Tina Hovekamp, Barber Library is committed to community enrichment by hosting exhibits that inspire students, staff and the community.

On display at “Filaments”

“Beetle,” one of the pieces hanging in the exhibit, is a child’s blanket fashioned by Mini Ossiander. It was awarded the HGA Award by the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc., which is similar to the Oscars, Lloyd said.

Another piece in the show, “Wild Colors,” is a coat by Lucy DeFranco woven with hand-painted cotton and bamboo and then tailored by the artist. And “Treasure from Trash” features nontraditional weaving materials with a variety of colorful recycled trash bags by WeGO founding member, Dee Ford Potter.

“Filaments” is a year-long traveling show on its fifth stop of six locations across Oregon. Following its exhibit at COCC, the show will be held in Salem and it will log a total number of 1,200 miles by the end of its run.

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Lloyd has practiced the art of weaving for the last 30 years and her work has been published in Handwoven Magazine and Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot Magazine. She embraces those new to weaving and hosted a beginner workshop last year focused on the use of a rigid heddle loom, in which the weaving takes place within a frame, to attract new weavers.

Visitors of the show will have the opportunity to vote for their top three favorite pieces for a people’s choice award.

What: “Filaments” handwoven textiles exhibition 

When: Opening reception 2-4 p.m. Sunday. Exhibit is on view through Nov. 8 during library hours (8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and noon-7 p.m. Sunday).  

Where: Rotunda Gallery in Central Oregon Community College’s Barber Library, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, 97703

Cost: Free

Contact: wegoregondotorg.wordpress.com