Masters of Tradition Series

The Textiles Program is deeply committed to bringing diverse voices and viewpoints into the curriculum at all levels. In the classroom we have hosted traditional artists, including, among others, Tongan tapa makers, Mien embroiderers, traditional French-lace makers, Native American basket weavers, and Japanese traditional indigo dyers.

The biennial Masters of Tradition Series emerged from the Textiles Program. This image depicts Master Yasuo Nakajima of Hanyu City, Japan, who was a recent artist in residence on the Oakland campus in 2008. See also Julia Florence Parker, who came to CCA in May 2006.

Every other spring semester the program invites a master of a traditional textile form to teach workshops that are open to all students taking courses in the Textiles Program.

Goals of the Masters of Tradition Series

• expand the definition of contemporary to include those artists working in traditional genres
• expose our students to accomplished practitioners from diverse cultures whose attitudes and motivations might differ from theirs
• create a sense of community and connection across cultures and languages through mutual interests
• provide students with a framework to understand the historical foundations on which their creative practices are based
• launch our students into the world with a keener and broader sense of respect for cultural diversity

Related
CCA Textiles Program Organized Masters of Tradition Series