Introduction to Armenian Needlelace (Janyak)
Adult | Unavailable
"Janyak" is an ancient lace knot that evolved from net-making. Its design is fine yet strong and made with needle and thread. The craft has survived forced displacement of many generations of Armenians and over the last century, janyak has been carefully preserved within the Armenian-American diaspora through intergenerational instruction, how-to books, exhibitions and videos. The featured pattern, “Ararat” references the mountain that is a longstanding symbol of Armenian identity and resiliency.
This is a process-based workshop and participants will create a variety of small needlelace samples and variations to practice the knot.
Intergenerational participation is encouraged, ages 8 - 108 are welcome!
Future workshops will be scheduled and as confidence controlling the technique develops we will create more intentional designs and images. With enough patience, participants can learn to make lace medallions and shapes without the use of a base cloth.
There is a $4 registration fee included in tuition.
Members will have the $4 fee deducted from the tuition.
A materials fee of $21.00 is included in the tuition.
**Class size is limited to 6 students**
**Please note that classes at Brookfield Craft Center must meet a minimum number of registrations for the class to run. Students will be notified within a week's notice whether their class will be held. If the class is canceled due to low enrollment, students may request to be transferred to another class or be refunded in full.
*** Please note there are several steps to walk down to the Fiber Studio ***
Emma Welty
Emma Welty is an artist and educator with a textile centered studio practice. Welty completed a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Fibers and Art History and an MFA/MA in Visual Art and Art History at Purchase College.
Welty’s work utilizes ancestral traditions of Armenian carpet and needlelace to explore
economies of labor, notions of “heirloom” and cultural transmissions within a digital diaspora. Welty has held residencies at the Newport Art Museum, Museum of Arts and Design and the Woodbury Public Library. Welty’s work has recently been exhibited in the Newport Art Museum, Piano Craft Gallery in Boston, Joseph Gross Gallery at the University of Arizona, the Gilbert Gallery at Miss Porter’s School, Heirloom Gallery in Brooklyn, Studio Hill Gallery in Woodbury, CT and the Jamestown Art Center.