Tours

Fiber Farmstead to Wool Market Tour

Monday, July 15, 8:45 AM–4:45 PM

Tickets: $135

Step into the rustic charm of a working farm where Tony Seibert will share his lifelong knowledge of sheep–from raising and breeding them to the art of shearing. Gain insights into the raw material portion of the commercial wool market, tracing the origins of the wool yarn you may have purchased for your own projects. If we are fortunate we might witness Tony demonstrate the shearing process on one of his Lincoln sheep (weather and fleece permitting, as it will be July). Prepare to have your sheep-related questions answered by this lifelong farmer and sheep shearer. Once back on the bus, we will journey to Yoder, a hub for the surrounding Amish communities. Delight in a lunch at the Carriage Crossing Restaurant, which also serves as a genuine carriage crossing for the local Amish residents. Add a touch of sweetness to your day by treating yourself to something special from the bakery. Our last stop will be a visit to The Wool Market and DIY School, hosted by Andrea Springer. Step into the inviting world of both a yarn shop and makerspace facility, providing a haven for learning new skills, purchasing needed supplies, and connecting with like-minded fiber enthusiasts. Andrea will lead a felting workshop where we will create a felted landscape using wet- and needle-felting techniques.

Notes: First stop is spent outdoors on a working farm with uneven ground. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Mid-Century Marvel - Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center

Monday, July 15, 5:00 PM

Tickets: $25

Experience the gorgeous mid-century Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center in an exclusive way on our behind-the-scenes tour. Learn more about the architect behind this marvel, John M. Hickman, and see the stage, costumes, and set pieces used during Center events. This architectural gem is not to be missed.

Behind the Scenes Fiber Studio and Museum Tour

Tuesday, July 16, 7:00 AM - 7:15 PM

Tickets: $150

Head back to school at the Kansas City Art Institute and the University of Kansas as you get a look at classrooms, high-tech weaving tools, faculty studios, and more. Under the direction of Pauline Verbeek, Professor and Chair of the Fiber Department, we will tour the Kansas City Art Institute’s Fiber facility. This 10,000 sq ft fiber building includes student studio spaces and classrooms for weaving, sewing, dyeing, printing, tufting, and felting. Pauline will share her extensive knowledge of Jacquard looms and a KCAI senior student will present her digital loom work. Annalee Hanson, a recent KCAI alumna, will present her work on digital looms, giving a demonstration on the TC2 Jacquard loom as well as a presentation and demo on one of the 16H AVL compudobby looms. We will move on to the University of Kansas for a tour of the Textile Studios, three fiber faculty studios, and the MFA graduate studios. Visit the faculty studios of Poppy DeltaDawn, a weaver using the TC2 and traditional floor looms for her work; Mary Anne Jordan, an artist focusing on screen printing, dyeing with natural and chemical dyes on fabric used in collage construction and quilts; and Eric Conrad, a mixed media artist/sculptor who utilizes found fabric, hand woven cloth, 3-D forms, and structures. Graduate student studios will be open for the visit with a display of their works. The University of Kansas tour segment will include a stop at the Spencer Museum of Art, where curators will select textiles from the collection to share with us in the museum’s Ingrid & J.K. Lee Study Center.

Prairie Heritage and Artisans Tour

Wednesday, July 17, 7:45 AM–4:45 PM

Tickets: $135

Join us for a captivating journey through the heart of our nation’s prairie heritage and explore the artistry of local craftspeople. This immersive tour offers a delightful blend of history, creativity, and community engagement. For a taste of Kansas fiber, visit the Fiber Arts Center of Wichita at The Studio School, a creative hub for active Wichita artists and entrepreneurs and the home of the Wichita Weavers, Spinners & Dyers Guild. See the weaving studio and browse through an exhibit of Guild members' work in the gallery. Learn how to hand-gin cotton and make a puni, and possibly try your hand at spinning on a charkha with Renee Sanchez and her daughter Anne-Marie Sanchez of Walnut River Cotton & Fiber Company. This mother/daughter duo started their company focused on providing raw and processed Kansas cotton for spinners. Nationally known wheat weaver Marian Vavra will teach a basic wheat weaving technique to create a flat plait. After the demonstrations, you will leave with the materials, knowledge, and inspiration to finish an embellished vine wreath on your own. After a delicious lunch at the Breadbasket restaurant we will head to the Kauffman Museum at Bethel College. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of early Native Americans and Mennonite settlers. This museum meticulously documents the history of prairie farmers, providing a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of this region dating back to 1896. Our final stop is the Carriage Factory Art Gallery, a unique gem housed in a historic carriage factory and blacksmith shop. Enjoy the captivating artwork created by talented local and regional artists, reflecting the essence of the prairie landscape. Feel free to explore the gallery at your leisure or venture a few steps down the street to the Newton Et Cetera shop, a place for “those who revel in the treasure hunt...” Witness the beautiful transformation of donated clothing into rag strips, woven into rugs on a loom displayed proudly in the front window. Proceeds from the shop support the work of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and positively impact the local community.

Notes: First stop is an open-air room with no air conditioning, dress accordingly.