I wanted to feature them because, although their classes skew strongly toward the non-fibrous, they have fiber craft classes unlike those you can take anywhere else in the Upper Valley. They have offered classes in upholstery, felt sculpture, kumihimo (Japanese braiding), and tatting (lace making), as well as in sewing, needlepoint, and repurposing clothing. They plan to offer classes in a variety of dye-resist techniques and other surface embellishments.
Additionally, some of their non-fiber classes may be of interest to fiber crafters: basket weaving and suminigashi (a marbled dye technique) are taught with pine needles or reeds in the former case and paper in the latter case, but weaving can certainly be done with cord and suminigashi can be applied to properly treated fabric, as shown below.
You'll find the fiber class offerings for adults in the Other Media section of their catalog. As a sample, May holds a reed basket class, June has beginning tatting, and August has a suminigashi class. They will have children's sewing camps in July and August, for ages 8-12, wherein students make capes and shawls, redesign clothing into high fashion, or transform t-shirts into a variety of other items. Those are listed in the Children's Studio section. Private group classes and birthday parties may also be arranged, where, for example, the partygoers decorate t-shirts with monoprinting. You can also learn about future class offerings via their mailing list, which you can add yourself to by calling or emailing (603-643-5384; craftstudies at craftstudies.org).
The classes are held in a room off the second floor of the gallery with a wall of windows (the first classroom picture was taken with window light only) and plenty of hanging lights. If you come at the right time you'll see Trixie the golden retriever, there on the floor.
Anyone can enroll in classes or become a supporting member of the League. Tuition discounts are offered to members and to those who sign up at least three weeks in advance of the class. The registration form has their full payment and cancellation policy.
Juried membership, which permits display and sale of crafts in the League's galleries and craft fairs, has two restrictions: the crafter must live in NH or within 10 miles of the border (as the crow flies; Quebec is included) and meet League-set standards of technical expertise and creativity.
I've opened and closed with photos of the gallery because it has some lovely sewn, knitted, embroidered, and felted goods. The gallery's usual hours end at 5:00, but occasionally it stays open later for an artist reception, of which the next is Friday, May 16 from 5 to 7 PM.
Make your own visit!
League of NH Craftsmen
The Hanover League Gallery
13 Lebanon Street
Hanover, NH 03755
Gallery 603-643-5050
Craft Studies 603-643-5384
http://www.craftstudies.org/
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday
11 AM to 4 PM Sundays in December
grt
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