Learning the Language of Wool: An Exploration in TRADITIONAL Central Asian Feltmaking

TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE

LOCATION: s'gʷi gʷi ʔ altxʷ: House of Welcome Longhouse, Paimārire Fiber Arts Studio

The Evergreen State College Campus, Olympia, WA

The Felt Road is honored to partner with s'gʷi gʷi ʔ altxʷ: House of Welcome Longhouse for an intensive workshop focused on Central Asian Traditional Nomadic Feltmaking.

This collaborative and exploratory class, guided by Janice Arnold and The Felt Road team, honors Indigenous felting traditions. It offers a holistic, solid foundation for a deep understanding of this ancient art form through a mindful exploration that is process-based, rather than product or design-based. 

WORKSHOP - SPRING 2026

(Basic but delicious lunch provided) 

Cost : $100-200 (sliding scale) + Parking @ $6.00 per day

Hands-on learning traditional nomadic skills by listening to the voices of the fibers +  origins, exploration, experimentation and evolving your art in an inspirational way.

Workshop will include (but not limited to):

• Exploring the origins of Felt through history and as a universal philosophy.

• Understanding wool and Felt in from Deep Time to our current era..

• Considering and discussing ancient design inspirations, rituals, and the sacred nature of Felt.

• Learn the science of wool, and experience why wool felts, and discover how this can guide your creative process.

• Learn basic traditional feltmaking, understanding shrinkage, and how to listen to and collaborate with wool fibers. 

• Study the various Forms of Felt in detail, and learn how to interpret the material. 

• The benefits of creating samples as part of your art practice and how it helps inspire you and sharpens your skills. 

• How to document your work so you can build upon and expand everything you create. 

• Discover new ways to find inspiration, create a design concept notebook, and turn your vision into reality.

• Will include presentations (Zoom and in person) by Indigenous Feltmakers and other related professionals. 

Questions?

Email us at lisam@jafelt.com

Bio of Workshop Guide

Janice Arnold is an internationally acclaimed visual artist who primarily works with wool and other natural fibers. She has made it her life's work to exploring Felt as both a functional and fine art form. Through research, travel, and working with Indigenous nomadic feltmakers of Central Asia and Mongolia, she has become fluent in the language of wool, embracing a playful and collaborative approach with the raw materials. Her large-scale, visionary, and monumental installations continue to push the boundaries of the medium.

Thanks to the City of Olympia for partially but generously supporting this workshop so we can offer this class on a sliding scale contribution to make it accessible for everyone. Please pay what you can.

To register, click here