News from Sievers School

  Our fifteenth biennial Gathering takes place soon!  Begun by founder, Walter Schutz, the Gathering is a great way to keep in touch with each other and is an opportunity to return to the Island and share a sample of what happens at Sievers School as well as a little of the “Island magic”.  All visitors are welcome and all events are open to the public.  Here’s what’s waiting for you…

Yarn Sale - Starting at 10 am on Friday, October 3, all of our yarns will be sold at 30% - 50% off their regular price.  Stock up for your winter knitting and weaving projects!

Workshops - Three workshops are scheduled for Friday afternoon from 2 pm-5 pm: “Baby Melon Basket” with Jo Campbell-Amsler,  “Viking Knit Bracelet ” with Barbara Heike and “Instant Silk Screen, Instant Fun” with Stephanie Robertson.  (Enrollment is limited, so register right away!)

Baby Melon Basket with Jo-Campbell Amsler - $65

This is a perfect basket for beginners in willow.  A twisted handle and rim, simple X-lashing and traditional shaping of ribs will create this pleasantly round “baby” basket.  (Size 4″H x 4″)  Workshop fee includes  basket materials.  Students will need to bring a pair of basket shears, small awl and a beach towel.  For all levels.  Sign up on the Sievers School website for Class G1 or call 920-847-2264.

Viking Knit Bracelet with Barbara Heike - $75

Before the advent of chain mail, and as early as 850 A.D., the Vikings used this knitting technique in making armor.  Viking Knitting is a perfect technique for making wire-woven bracelets.  It involves weaving sterling silver wire around a wooden dowel, and then pulling the weave through a draw plate.  Participants in the class will learn the wire working techniques involved in Viking Knitting and complete a bracelet in class.  Handouts will be provided.  Workshop fee includes materials for bracelet: copper wire, sterling silver wire, end caps, clasp, drawplate, dowel and card stock.  Students will need to bring a wire cutter, roundnose pliers, chainnose pliers, small awl or metal knitting needle.  For all levels.  Sign up on the Sievers School website for Class G2 or call 920-847-2264.

Instant Silk Screen, Instant Fun with Stephanie Robertson - $65

Create instant silk screens with a thermofax machine, water soluble pencils and watercolor inks.  For those of you who have been wondering how this works, or if you enjoy an environment of fun and experimentation, here is your opportunity.  We will work with copyright-free images, drawings and rubbings to create silk screens that can be printed on fabric.  Workshop fee includes: inks, screens and various supplies.  Students will need to bring 1 yard of cotton, silk, linen or rayon fabric, ebony pencil, paper, photocopied images NO BIGGER than 7″ x 9″, photo-copied text from the computer and a willingness to try something new. For all levels.  Sign up on the Sievers School website for Class G3 or call 920-847-2264.

Friday Evening Program - We begin at 7 pm with social time and refreshments in the Sophie Studio.  At 7:30 pm, Washington Island Ferry Line Manager, Dick Purinton presents a program: “Behind the Scenes”, Island scenes and narrative that promises to be a change from the ordinary.

Sievers Fiber Arts Garage Sale - This has been such a popular event at the Gathering, that we’re holding it again!  The Fiber Arts Garage Sale will be on Saturday from 9:30 am - 1 pm at Sievers.  Many items have been donated for this already, and we welcome yours, if your have any to donate.  The proceeds will go towards the Sievers Scholarship Fund, offering scholarships to students who wish to attend a Sievers class and to Washington Island High School graduates that have been involved in the arts. 

Silent Art Auction - Our generous instructors have again donated their beautiful handwork for an art auction with the proceeds to benefit Sievers School.  Among the items that will be available are a willow basket made by Jo Campbell-Amsler; a framed woodland scene made by Bill Kallner; a vest sewn by Diane Ericson using Carol Gresko and Doreen Speckmann fabric designs; a stuffed lamé lizard made by Blanche Young; a reproduction of a Great Lakes fish basket (ca. 1900) made by Jacki Bedworth; a wall quilt made by Francie Ginocchio from Doreen Speckmann-designed Provence! fabrics; a handwoven rag rug made by Ann Young; a basket made by Christi Ehler and more!  Bidding will begin on Friday at 10 am in the Sievers Shop and ends Saturday night, 7 pm at the buffet dinner at Trinity Lutheran Church. 

Vendors - A favorite part of the Gathering!  Booths will be open from 10 am - 3 pm on Saturday.  Visit the Washington Island Art Association’s display of local artwork; Heidi Brodersen, owner of Door County Embroidery, will demonstrate and sell custom machine-embroidered items such as tote bags and hats; Jacki Bedworth’s “Wicker Woman” outdoor camp with traditional handwoven willow baskets; an assortment from Apple Hollow Fiber Arts, including triangle frame looms and demos, assorted yarns, books and supplies; plus “Circle of Hope” Bracelets, beaded bracelets made by volunteers as a symbol of life and a visible connection among women in the fight against cancer. Most bracelets feature a combination of various crystals, sterling silver Bali beads and silver-plated spacers.

                                          Demonstrations - Here’s a chance to meet Sievers teachers and students, as they demonstrate a variety of the types of subjects that are taught in Sievers classes, answer your questions and share their enthusiasm for fiber arts.  Demonstrations will be held both in the morning and afternoon on Saturday and will include:  Polymer Clay Beads & Buttons with Judith Yamamoto, Temari with Susan Greenfeldt, Coiled Basketry with Lynn Schuster, Spinning with Virginia Thomas, “Fiber Mojo” with Donna Kallner, Needle Felting with Jeannie Shay, Recycled Wool Mittens with Kathleen Morris and Twining with Jacki Bedworth.                                

Student Fiber Work Display - Bring your work to share with your Sievers friends.  Maybe it’s something you began in a class, or an entirely new project.  Don’t be shy…you worked hard to create something unique.  Whether it’s a basket, quilt, handwoven, knit work, piece of jewelry, article of clothing or woodcarving, we’d love to have it on display. For each item you bring, please also bring a 4″ x 6″ card filled out with the following information: Your name and city, the type of artwork, a description (title, how made, fibers/type of fabric used, techniques used), your inspiration. Let your creativity and craftsmanship shine!

Viewers’ Choice Award - Since the 1992 Gathering, this has been offered as a way to allow everyone to show their admiration for the students’ work in the Fiber Work Display.  Each person who attends the Gathering will be given a ballot and the three items that receive the most votes will earn awards for their creators, which will be presented at the Style Show.  There is no judging, just a non-competitive opportunity to applaud your favorites!

Style and Quilt Show - Come, be entertained and inspired on Saturday afternoon by a wide variety of beautiful handwoven, quilted, beaded, felted, batiked, and creatively sewn garments and accessories (hats, purses, scarves and jewelry) and quilts created by Sievers teachers and students.  Instructor Mary Curran will coordinate and serve as commentator for this highlight event. For each item you bring, please also bring a 4″ x 6″ card filled out with the following information: Your name and city, the type of artwork, a description (title, how made, fibers/type of fabric used, techniques used), your inspiration.  If you’d like to be a model in the Style Show, please let us know when you arrive. 

Cash Bar/Social Hour - At Fiddler’s Green on Jackson Harbor Road.at 5 pm.  New in 2008, Fiddler’s Green has an eclectic lounge atmosphere and serves wine, specialty beers and soda.

Buffet Dinner - This year at the Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall on Town Line Road at 6 pm. Catered by Lois Jessen of Karly’s, a delicious dinner of turkey, beef, seafood lasagne and all the accompaniments will be served.  $20 per person includes tip and tax. (Advance reservations are required for this. On the Sievers School website, note in the “Comments” section the number of dinner reservations you would like or call Sievers at 920-847-2264 by September 29th. Reservations can be paid in advance with a credit card.) 

Gift Certificates - Another highlight!  You could be one of the winners of a $100.00 Sievers gift certificate that may be applied to any Sievers class.  Four winning names will be drawn.

Musical Entertainment Program - Dan Hansen and Cindra Hokkanen return for their fourth Gathering program.  Titled “www.sievers.song: Musical Interweavings,” the program will feature a selection of vocal and piano music, laughter and memories, at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center on Main Road at 7:30 pm.  $12 Adults, $6 Students.  (No pre-sales; tickets will be available at the door.)

Accomodations - Sievers will have limited group housing available.  Please call us at 920-847-2264 regarding housing.  For other Island accomodations, please visit www.washingtonislandchamber.com or call 920-847-2179.

Ferry Schedule - For the October Washington Island Ferry Line schedule and fares, please visit www.wisferry.com or call 800-223-2094.

2008 SIEVERS GATHERING

OCTOBER 3 & 4

Friday, October 3

10:00 am - 5: 00 pm (Sievers Shop)    Yarn Sale/Silent Art Auction/Register Items for Student Fiber Arts Display and Style Show 

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Tomson Hall)   “Baby Melon Basket” Workshop

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Sophie Studio)  “Viking Knit Bracelet” Workshop

2:00 pm - 5: 00 pm (Walter Studio)     “Instant Silk Screen, Instant Fun” Workshop                                                       

7:00 pm (Sophie Studio)     Social Time with Refreshments

7:30 pm (Sophie Studio)   Evening Program: ”Behind the Scenes” - Dick Purinton, W.I. Ferry Line

Saturday, October 4

9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Sievers Shop)     Yarn Sale

9:00 am - 10:30 am (Walter Studio)     Register Items for Student Display and Style/Quilt Show

9:30 am - 1:00 pm      Fiber Arts Garage Sale

10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Sophie Studio)  Silent Art Auction & Vendors:   Apple Hollow Fiber Arts - Kathi Cascio & Jon Huber; Wicker Woman/Tradional Willow Baskets - Jacki Bedworth; Door County Embroidery - Heidi Brodersen; Washington Island Art Association; “Circle of Hope” Bracelets        

10:30 am - 12:00 pm (Walter Studio)  Student Fiber Arts Display & Demonstrations:   Polymer Clay Buttons and Beads - Judie Yamamoto; Japanese Temari - Susan Greenfeldt; Coiled Basketry - Lynn Schuster; Spinning - Virginia Thomas; Twining - Jacki Bedworth                                                                                          

1:30 pm - 3 pm (Walter Studio)  Student Fiber Arts Display & Demonstrations:   ” Fiber Mojo” - Donna Kallner; Needle Felting/Embellishment - Jeannie Shay; Recycled Wool Mittens - Kathleen Morris; Twining - Jacki Bedworth                                                                                               

3:00 pm     Student Fiber Arts Display Viewers’ Choice Award Voting Ends

3:30 pm (Tomson Hall)     Style and Quilt Show - Mary Curran, Commentator and Viewers’ Choice Awards Announced

5:00 pm (Fiddler’s Green)    Cash Bar/Social Hour

6:00 pm (Trinity Lutheran Church)     Buffet Dinner and Silent Art Auction

7:00 pm (Trinity Lutheran Church)  Silent Art Auction Ends/Winning Bidders Announced and Door Prize Drawing: Sievers Class Gift Certificates                                                         

7:30 pm  (TPAC)   Dan Hansen & Cindra Hokkanen Entertainment Program  ”www.sievers.song:  Musical Interweavings”                                                                                       

Beginning Papermaking taught by Tom Grade saw nine students create many, many colorful and imaginative pieces.  The bright sunshine was perfect for drying paper out on the back deck of the Walter Studio.  Here’s a sample of some of the work in progress last weekend:

We will revisit paper in two other forms, Making Silk Fiber “Paper”  with Deb Menz on August 1- 3 and Handmade Paper Lampshades with Michelle Workowski on August 29 - 31.  We have some of these lovely paper lampshades (on lamps) available for sale in the shop.

Sievers Knitters…Iowa Needs You!

We received a letter from Sievers instructor Carol Anderson (of Cottage Creations) regarding her plan to collect and distribute through the Red Cross and Salvation Army, hand-knit items such as: mittens, caps, scarves, afghans, prayer shawls, baby blankets, dishcloths, socks, infants, children’s and adult sweaters to communites across the flooded Cedar River and tornado-ravaged Parkersburg, IA.  She notes that 11 years ago, Cottage Creations did the same for the flooded Grand Forks, ND area and people were so appreciative.  “It was heart-wrenching”, writes Carol. 

If you’d like to participate, one or two articles is sufficient and should be mailed or sent UPS before November 1st.  Please attach a card to items with the following information: 1. Name of item, 2. Size, if applicable, 3. Fiber content (most items should be machine washable and dryable), 4. If desired, your name and address and any words of encouragement.

Send to: Post office

Cottage Creations, At the Farm on Deer Creek, Carpenter, IA 50426

UPS or FED EX:

Carol Anderson, 4562 Zinnia Ave, St. Ansgar, IA 50472

Beautiful weather and spectacular fireworks helped make this 4th of July perfect through and through.  The American Legion sponsored bicycle parade down Main Road preceeded the fireworks at the ballpark.   Over the weekend, the Farm Museum hosted a group of colonial reenactors and Sievers instructor Jacki Bedworth, who had finished teaching Basics of Stake-and-Strand Willow Basketry, joined the reenactors demonstrating basketry. 

This week we’re excited to have Mary Sue Fenner with her Weave, Cut & Sew class.  They are weaving today and come Friday, will have a fashion show on the boardwalk at Sophie Studio.  (Fashion show photos to follow! ) Mary Sue will again coordinate the Sievers Gathering Fashion Show on Saturday, October 4.  We can’t wait! 

A picture-perfect Summer Solstice day greeted us this morning.  Many of the Island’s wildflowers are blooming and the family of mute swans are swimming in Jackson Harbor.  Here are some Island scenes for this official first day of summer:

Since 2001, we have offered scholarships to attend a Sievers class through donations given in part in memory of our quilting teacher Doreen Speckmann and Elisabeth Beinert, a weaving student. Out of this fund we were able to grant five scholarships this year.  The recipients and corresponding classes are:

Elisabeth Beinert Scholarship:

Kelly Thompson - Beginning Weaving on a Floor Loom

Doreen Speckmann Scholarships:

Jeannie Shay - Surface Design Techniques:Creative Silk Jacket

Jill Johnson - Color for Knitting

Barb Weller - Bent Willow Chair

Colleen Fouse - Beginning Papermaking

This year, for the first time, we offered a scholarship in the amount of $500 to a graduate of Washington Island School.  Primary consideration for this scholarship is the degree to which the applicant is involved in the field of arts  (visual, music, theater or dance) and how their involvement has benefited them as well as the Island community.  Our first recipient was Lydia Foss.  Lydia was a member of the Island singing group, “Faithful Friends” and will be attending Lawrence University.

Partial proceeds from Marianne Fons’ presentation “Why We Quilt” as well as the Sievers Gathering Fiber Arts Garage Sale will benefit the Sievers Scholarship Fund.  More information on Sievers Scholarships is shown in the first posting on this news site.

Quiltmaker, author and publisher Marianne Fons will present “Why We Quilt” on Tuesday, August 12th at 7:30 p.m. in the Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.  Sponsored by Bread & Water and Sievers, Marianne will examine the many reasons American women, past and present, have devoted their time to the design and construction of quilts in a thought provoking and entertaining way.  We look forward to Marianne’s return to the Island and to her presentation.

Studio Visits 

Time is set aside each Thursday when two classes are in session for a “field trip”. When classes visit each other, they are able to see not only finished pieces, but also the process behind that particular fiber art.  Here we have basketmakers paying a visit to the Finnish Knitting and Crochet class:

   June 5, 2008

The bell rang promptly at 9 a.m. to begin our 30th season with the class, “Making Your Mark: Dyeing and Silk Screen” with Stephanie Robertson of Indianapolis, IN.  Here’s a photo of the class working in the Walter Studio this morning:

During this same week, the Washington Island Art Association is holding their Spring Open Workshop in the Sophie Studio here at Sievers.  A field trip between studios is already being planned.

Upcoming classes with openings include Wildcrafted Trellises, Plant Towers and Garden Art with Donna Kallner, June 13-15; Landscape Needlefelting and Bead Embroidery with Karen Buell, June 15 - 18; Creative Silk Jacket: “Green” Surface Design Techniques with Kayla Kennington, June 15 - 20.  These photos show an example from each of the classes.

In less than 3 weeks our 30th season begins with the Sievers Shop opening on May 15th and the first class of the season, “Making Your Mark: Dyeing and Silk Screen Printing ” with Stephanie Robertson starting on Sunday, May 18th.   We’ll be ready!

 A Jackson Harbor Road Landmark is Gone           

Today as we arrived at Sievers, the Town Crew was removing (as a former instructor called it) ”the tree in the middle of the road”. The big maple outside the Sievers Shop provided shade for many for the past 100+ years.  We will miss it.  Word has it that the shoulders of Jackson Harbor Road will be paved to provide extra space for bicyclists and the tree needed to be removed for that reason. 

Bead & Button Magazine Interviews Diane Fitzgerald

The June 2008  issue of Bead & Button Magazine includes a wonderful article, “The Making of a Master” featuring Diane Fitzgerald.  Diane will be the recipient of the 2008 Excellence in Bead Artistry Award, presented at the 2008 Bead & Button Show in June. 

Door County Shepherds’ Market - May 17 & 18

The 14th Annual Door County Shepherd’s Market will be held from 10am-4pm on Saturday, May 17th and 10am-3pm on Sunday, May 18th at Whitefish Bay Farm, just north of Sturgeon Bay, WI.  This event promotes products from sheep and goats, educates the public about the animals and their fibers and showcases the tradtional handcrafts that utilize these fibers.  A number of vendors sell yarns, fibers, finished products and more.  Raffle tickets are sold with one of the prizes being a weekend class of your choice at Sievers.  For more information, find it at www.whitefishbayfarm.com/market.htm

Eight Sievers teachers met on Washington Island from Thursday, March 27 to Sunday, March 30 to enjoy time together while working on various projects in the Sophie Studio.  Great recipes were tasted and shared along with lively conversation and laughter.  Traveling to the Island were: Jo Campbell-Amsler of Monticello, IA, Diane Fitzgerald of Minneapolis, MN, Jacki Bedworth of Mora, MN, Donna Kallner of White Lake, WI and Jeanne Pfister of Kaukauna, WI.  They joined Island resident teachers Ellen Graf, Judith Yamamoto and Kathy Sorensen.  A pre-birthday celebration was held on Saturday night for Donna Kallner complete with humor, poetry, chocolate and apple pie and ice cream!

What follows is a listing of Island events from mid-May through October. We will update this as other events are added. You can see a complete list as well as general information about Washington Island including lodging, restaurants, attractions, parks and shopping on the Washington Island Chamber of Commerce’s website, www.washingtonislandchamber.com. Musical and theatrical entertainment is offered weekly at the Red Barn and Trueblood Performing Arts Center and one day art and nature classes for children as well as adults are offered weekly through the Art & Nature Center during July and August.

May 17 - Sesquicentennial Celebration of Pottawatomie Lighthouse (Rock Island) sponsored by the Friends of Rock Island. 1 pm on lighthouse grounds with music, refreshments and remarks followed by an evening banquet at Karly’s.

May 19-23 - W. Island Art Association Spring Open Workshop at Sievers

May 25 - W. Island Music Festival Memorial Day Chamber Music Concert, Dinner and Auction

May 31 - June 1 - W. Island Birding Festival. Themes include “Water, Shore & Forest” and “Interior Grasslands/Wetlands and Rock Island”. Guided tours, banquet and speaker.

June 14 - July 28 - Art & Nature Center Opening Show: “Wearable Art”

June 20 - Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum Grilled Whitefish Dinner

June 23 - 27 - Washington Island Forum sponsored by Wisconsin Council of Churches and W. Island Art Association “Plein Air Oil ” Workshop at Sievers.

July 11-12 - Folk Music Festival at Red Barn and Trueblood Performing Arts Center

July 12 - Art in the Park features children’s art activities, food and more at the Art & Nature Center from 11 am to 3 pm.

July 19 - Fly-In Fish Boil sponsored by Lions Club

July 21-23 - W. I. Art Association “Fantasia in Watercolor” Workshop

July 25 - Women’s Club International Food Festival

July 26 - Rec Run: 10K, 5K, 2K and Fun Run/Walk

August 1- Scandinavian Fest Kaffe at Trinity Lutheran Church. “Small Frame, Big Art” show at the Red Cup Coffee House sponsored by W. Island Art Association.

August 2 - Art Fair at Trueblood PAC 10-4. Scandinavian Dance Festival on Foss Outdoor Stage at dusk.

August 4 - 15 - W. Island Music Festival. Chamber music concerts, open rehearsals, music talks, music camp and children’s concert featuring an ensemble of world class musicans.

August 14 - Under the Big Top, featuring local talents is emceed by Cindra Hokkanen and Julian Hagen and is part of the W. Island Music Festival.

October 3-4 - Sievers Gathering. Workshops, demonstrations, fashion show, speakers, banquet and music.

October 11 - W. Island Fire Department Open House, Cider Pressing and Harvest Events at the W. Island Farm Museum and Fall Harvest Dinner at Trinity Lutheran Church.