Projects in Public Spaces
How Karen Came to Think in Terms of a Hundred-Yard Warp
What does it take to create handwoven textiles for public spaces? Karen Gelbard shares her experiences with the restoration of historic Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood and a large-scale rug project for Sunriver Lodge. Through photographs and stories, discover the challenges, collaborations, and creative opportunities involved in weaving for architectural spaces.
Projects in Public Spaces
How Karen Came to Think in Terms of a Hundred-Yard Warp*
What happens when a weaving project calls for hundreds of yards of fabric rather than a single garment or scarf?
In this illustrated PowerPoint presentation, Karen Gelbard shares her experiences creating handwoven textiles for public spaces, including two significant projects in Oregon.
Timberline Lodge — Preserving a Textile Legacy
Built during the Works Progress Administration (WPA) era, historic Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood is celebrated for its architecture, furnishings, and handcrafted textiles.
Karen explores the history of the lodge's textile restoration, including the role of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) in supporting the early restoration efforts of the 1970s.
She also shares her own involvement in weaving upholstery fabrics that honor the colors, patterns, and character of the original textiles. Working on this scale introduced new challenges in planning, production, and maintaining consistency over long lengths of handwoven cloth.
Sunriver Lodge — Designing for Public Spaces
Karen also recounts her collaboration with artist Larry Kirkland on the design and fabrication of 44 rugs for Sunriver Lodge in Central Oregon.
This project presented a different set of creative and practical challenges, demonstrating how textile artists contribute to larger architectural and interior design projects.
Through photographs, historical background, and personal stories, Karen reflects on the opportunities and challenges of creating textiles intended to become part of a public space.
From historic preservation to large-scale commissions, this presentation offers a look at how weaving can contribute to the places people gather, visit, and remember.
40-minute illustrated PowerPoint presentation, followed by time for audience questions and discussion. Available in person or remotely.
Duration / Format
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 detailed photographs, appropriate connections for the presenter's computer, and a microphone for larger audiences. Speakers may be needed if videos are included.
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 screen-sharing capability are essential.
No special equipment or prior weaving experience is required of participants.
Recording Policy
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.
Workshop Information
N/A
Fees & Registration
Presentation Fee: $350
Live presentations are offered at the same fee whether delivered in person or remotely. In-person presentations require reimbursement for applicable travel expenses, arranged in advance.
The fee includes the illustrated PowerPoint presentation and time for audience questions and discussion.