Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program collection, 2015.196.1129.4, Connecticut Historical ...

Finnish Loom Weaving

SubjectPortrait of Anita Smiley

SubjectPortrait of Seija Floderus

Date1995-2005

MediumPositive Color Film Slides

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineConnecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program collections

CopyrightIn Copyright

Object number2015.196.1129.4

DescriptionSlide photograph of a Finnish weaving on a loom with 2000-2001 SNEAP apprentice Anita Smiley (left) and teacher Seija Floderus (right).

NotesSubject Note: Several members of the Finnish American Heritage Society (FAHS) in eastern Connecticut participated in the Southern New England Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program from 2000-2003, generating a great interest in weaving in this community. Experienced weaver Seija Floderus, who had learned household weaving in Finland from her mother and her aunt, taught some basic Finnish techniques such as poppana, kuultokudos with linen, and rya or rag rug weaving. Three looms, including Seija’s husband’s grandmother’s 100 year old Swedish loom were donated to FAHS, which have been restored and repaired by men of the Finnish American Heritage Society. The apprentices presented their work and the looms at several open house programs during the three-year apprenticeship training.

Additional materials exist in the CCHAP archive for all these artists and their communities.

Cataloging Note: This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services MA-245929-OMS-20.

Status

Not on view