The Textiles Program is deeply committed to bringing diverse voices and perspectives 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.

Emerging from this commitment, the biennial Masters of Tradition Series was founded in 2006. Every other spring semester the Textiles Program invites a master of a traditional textile form to teach workshops that are open to all students taking courses in textiles. From these experiences, students learn technique, alternate motivations of making, and cultural literacy.

Past Masters of Tradition

Clotaire Bazile (2010)
Master Yasuo Nakajima (2008)
Julia Florence Parker (2006)

Goals of the Masters of Tradition Series

• expand the definition of contemporary to include those artists working in traditional genres
• expose 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