WORKSHOPS & PRESENTATIONS · KAREN GELBARD
Imagine Wearing Handwoven
"Imagine Wearing Handwoven"
Photography and Video for Handwoven Garments
As technology evolves, so do the possibilities for presenting wearable art. Karen shares her experiments with digital design tools, including Canva, early AI model training, and her more recent work using ChatGPT to visualize handwoven jackets on models. Through examples of successes, challenges, and unexpected results, she explores how these emerging technologies can expand creative possibilities while respecting the integrity of the original handwoven garment.
Date
To be announced – To be announced
Fees: see details below
Availability
To be determined by the hosting Guild. places total
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Imagine Wearing Handwoven
Imagine Wearing Handwoven
Photography, Video & Emerging Technology for Wearable Art
You've designed the cloth, woven the fabric, and created a garment. Now, how do you capture its unique qualities and help viewers imagine wearing it?
Photographing handwoven clothing presents special challenges. Color, texture, and drape are essential to a garment's character, while movement and changing shapes can be difficult to convey in a still image.
In this illustrated presentation, Karen Gelbard shares highlights from her six-year collaboration with the style magazine Tearsheet PDX, including studio photographs and lessons learned about lighting, backgrounds, models, and composition.
Karen also explores the possibilities of short videos, revealing what still photographs often cannot—the movement of cloth, the changing silhouette of a garment, and the experience of seeing it worn.
As technology evolves, so do the possibilities for presenting wearable art. Karen shares her experiments with digital tools, including Canva, early AI model training, and her more recent use of ChatGPT to visualize handwoven jackets on models. Through before-and-after examples, including successes, challenges, and unexpected results, she explores the possibilities and limitations of these tools—and why preserving the integrity of the original handwoven garment remains essential.
Through photographs, videos, and stories from behind the scenes, this presentation offers a personal look at the evolving art of presenting handwoven clothing and invites viewers to imagine themselves wearing it.

01
Schedule
To be announced – To be announced
Registration closes To be announced
02
Location
To be announced
To be announced
03
Who it’s for
Presentation Format & Technical Requirements
This presentation may be offered in person or remotely.
In-Person Presentation: The hosting organization should provide a large screen or projector suitable for displaying photographs and videos, appropriate connections for the presenter's computer, and speakers for video playback. A reliable internet connection is appreciated. A microphone is recommended for larger audiences.
Remote Presentation: Presentations may be delivered through Zoom or a comparable online meeting platform. Arrangements for hosting and technical support will be coordinated in advance. A reliable internet connection and the ability to share video with sound are essential.
No special equipment or prior photography experience is required of participants.
Presentation Fees & Recording Policy
Live presentations, whether delivered in person or remotely, are offered at a fee of $350. In-person presentations require reimbursement for applicable travel expenses, arranged in advance.
Presentations include an illustrated PowerPoint program and time for audience questions and discussion.
Presentations are intended for live viewing only. Recording, reproduction, or redistribution of the presentation or its materials is not permitted without prior written agreement.
Requests for recording permission may be considered individually, taking into account recording quality, intended use, and distribution.
04
Enrollment
Maximum To be determined by the hosting Guild. participants
Small-group instruction

Materials & supplies
Karen provides
None
Please bring
None
Materials fee
Fees & registration
In-Person Presentation: $350, plus applicable travel expenses.
Remote Presentation via Zoom: $350.
Fees include a live PowerPoint presentation, visual examples, and time for audience questions and discussion.
For remote presentations, the fee includes routine technical preparation and coordination.
Recording or redistribution of presentations is not permitted without prior written agreement.
FAQs & practical details
Who is this for? Do I need previous experience?
This illustrated presentation is for anyone interested in handwoven textiles, creative practice, and the stories behind the work. No specialist weaving equipment is needed to attend. Contact Karen if you would like to discuss suitability or access needs.
When and where will it take place?
Dates and session times have not yet been announced.
The venue and full address will be announced before registration opens.
Available format: In person or by Zoom
What should I bring, and how do remote presentations work?
No specialist materials are required for the audience. A notebook is optional. For a remote presentation, use a reliable internet connection and a device that can display the shared photographs and play sound. Joining instructions will be provided for the scheduled presentation. Host equipment and technical arrangements are agreed with Karen in advance.
Is the listed fee an individual ticket price?
The presentation fee and any travel arrangements described on this page are for the hosting organization. They should not be interpreted as an individual admission price. Any participant registration charge will be stated separately for a scheduled presentation.
What about accessibility, parking, and travel?
Accessibility arrangements depend on the venue and presentation format.
Contact karen@theoregonweaver.com before registering to discuss seating, mobility, sensory, or other accommodation needs. Parking and arrival instructions will be provided once venue arrangements are confirmed. Wait for confirmation that the workshop will proceed before making nonrefundable travel arrangements.
How do I register, and when is my place confirmed?
Use the registration button below when enrollment opens. Complete your details and the required workshop acknowledgments, then continue to secure checkout. A submitted form alone does not confirm a paid place; registration is confirmed after successful payment.
Audience capacity: Capacity will be confirmed for the scheduled session.
The registration deadline will be posted before enrollment opens.
Keep your confirmation email. Workshop-specific preparation and supply information will be shared before the session; contact Karen if anything is unclear.
What are the hosting organization’s cancellation terms?
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellations made by the hosting organization at least 14 days before the scheduled presentation will incur no presentation fee. Any previously approved, nonrefundable travel expenses remain the responsibility of the hosting organization.
Cancellations made with fewer than 14 days' notice will incur a fee of 50% of the agreed presentation fee ($175).
Requests to reschedule will be accommodated whenever possible, without an additional presentation fee.
If the presenter must cancel, any presentation fees already paid will be refunded in full, or an alternate date may be arranged by mutual agreement.
Contact Karen promptly if your plans change. Ask about a participant substitution or transfer before making arrangements; the applicable options depend on the scheduled workshop.
Who can answer a question before I register?
Email Karen at karen@theoregonweaver.com. Include the workshop title and your question so she can direct you to the relevant dates, preparation, or registration details.
