O'Hara will share her experience at Sevinch & Co., Cairo, Egypt. There she helped the company set up and run their AVL hand jacquard loom which included teaching the owners the jacquard software (ArahWeave).
During her time in Cairo, O'Hara also analyzed antique jacquard ribbons and weaving prototypes. These ribbons are added to the existing line of amazing passementerie (fancy tassels and trims) that the artisans already weave at lightning speed on handmade looms.
In Florence, Italy, O'Hara was invited to participate in a Textile Symposium for Jacquard Weaving Teachers at the Lisio Foundation. Founded in 1971 by the daughter of the man who started the Lisio weaving company in 1906, the foundation saved 12 looms from a factory that is no longer operating.
Lisio and O'Hara wanted to ensure the preservation of antique textile techniques and the manufacture of traditional fabrics that are no longer produced by modern industry. The foundation broadens textile culture by teaching classes in creating jacquard textiles on old jacquard looms and filling custom orders of hand-woven brocades and velvets.
Currently, O'Hara has created a new line of landscape tapestries inspired by her move to Lake County in 2000. With individual thread control, she captures Lake County’s seasons in detailed lush weave structures not possible with other looms. Examples of these beautiful tapestries will be on display and one poster will be raffled off following her presentation.
This year marks the 108th year of Middletown Luncheon Club. Each month lunch is provided by local nonprofits and is open to the public for only $5 at the door.
The Middletown Luncheon Club meets on the third Wednesday of every month (except December) at the Community Methodist Church Social Hall, 15833 Armstrong St., Middletown.
For more information visit www.EcoArtsofLakeCounty.org.
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