WORKSHOPS & PRESENTATIONS · KAREN GELBARD
Stories Behind the Work
"Stories Behind the Work"
Where does a design idea really come from?
A client's request for a pink-and-gray scarf sends Karen searching for inspiration in unexpected places—from the natural world to bathroom tiles and even poodle skirts! Through this and other stories from the studio, discover the observations, creative decisions, and experiments that transform an idea into a distinctive piece of wearable art.
Date
To be announced – To be announced
Fees: see details below
Availability
To be announced places total
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Stories Behind the Work
From Inspiration to Wearable Art
What inspires a handwoven garment? Where does the creative process begin, and how does an idea become something we can wear?
For Karen Gelbard, The Oregon Weaver, inspiration often begins with a sense of place, an intriguing material, or a story waiting to be told. The changing colors, textures, and moods of the Pacific Northwest—particularly the Oregon Coast—find their way into her handwoven scarves, shawls, jackets, and coats.
In this illustrated PowerPoint presentation, Karen shares the stories behind selected pieces of her work, following their journey from inspiration through weaving, design, and construction.
Along the way, she explores the creative decisions that give each piece its individuality: choosing fibers and colors, interpreting weaving structures, experimenting with textures, and discovering how cloth can influence garment design.
Featured examples include her Women of Steel series, in which fine steel wire was woven with soft chenille and the resulting fabric was free-motion quilted. This unexpected combination of materials and techniques illustrates how experimentation can expand the expressive possibilities of handwoven cloth.
Drawing on years of experience as a largely self-taught handweaver and garment designer, Karen shares the discoveries, challenges, and occasional surprises that have shaped her work.
Through photographs and stories from the studio, this presentation offers a personal look at the relationship between place, imagination, materials, and the maker's hand.
The place is woven into the work.
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
No experience required.
None.
04
Enrollment
Maximum To be announced participants
Small-group instruction
Materials & supplies
Karen provides
None.
Please bring
None.
Materials fee
Not applicable
Fees & registration
$350.00
**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.
The fee includes an illustrated PowerPoint presentation 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.
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 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.