Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Natalie Chanin is coming to Richmond!


You probably know Natalie Chanin from her wayyyy too awesome Alabama Chanin project: she's known for her crafty, artful, thoughtful repurposing of old into new, creating beautiful clothing and objects using hand stitching and sustainable fabrics...

But did you know she's going to be in Richmond art the Visual Arts Center's Art:24 event for two workshops, and you're invited??

About Natalie Chanin and her visit to Richmond

The Visual Art Center’s ART:24 event May 15-16, 2009, celebrates the tradition in art in everyday life. Our special guest will be the internationally renowned designer and textile artist Natalie Chanin.

Natalie first appeared in national media such as Women’s Wear Daily and Vogue with her Project Alabama couture line, which drew on the use of disappearing Depression-era stitching techniques from her native Alabama to turn old T-shirts into gorgeous garments.

She still creates couture pieces, but has re-imagined her company as Alabama Chanin, with a renewed emphasis on sustainability and green and ethical practices as a way to recapture and share traditional ways of creating beauty from everyday things. She has added ready-to-wear clothing, books, housewares and kits to her line, and shares her techniques around the country in her extremely popular workshops.

In addition to being an amazing and accomplished textiles artist, Natalie is a compelling storyteller and filmmaker, a wonderful cook, and a tireless champion of living a life that is beautiful and delicious as well as ethical and sustainable.

We are thrilled to have her with us for ART:24, when she will conduct one of her famous full-day studio workshops as well as a smaller sampler session. Natalie will also have a trunk show where she will sell her clothing and project kits, and have her book, Alabama Studio Style, available for purchase and signing.

Full-Day Studio Workshop
Spend a day with internationally renowned designer and textile artist Natalie Chanin. During this workshop you will blend heirloom stitching techniques with an ethical, sustainable process to create a beautiful handmade piece. Along the way you’ll share stories and laughter, enjoy tasty Southern fare and make new friends.

The workshop will be held in the VisArts’ fiber studio in a reclaimed dairy in the historic Fan District. The session will include an Alabama Chanin kit, all the materials and tools you’ll need to work on it, and a catered luncheon celebrating Southern foodways. Please plan to stay afterward to enjoy a cake and champagne reception and celebrate your wonderful day.

  • Date: May 16
  • Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
  • Cost: $450

Friday Afternoon Workshop

This afternoon workshop offers a taste of Natalie Chanin’s famous stitching and construction techniques, as well as her commitment to green and sustainable practices. The session will include an Alabama Chanin bandana kit and all the materials and tools you’ll need to work on it. The workshop will be held in the VisArts fiber studio.

  • Date: May 15
  • Time: 1 PM - 4 PM
  • Cost: $75

Note: These sessions are part of the Visual Art Center’s ART:24, which celebrates art in everyday life. Visit the ART:24 page for a schedule of events on May 15-16, and plan your visit so you can join in the fun.

Registration: Please call us at 804/353-0094 to register. Full payment is due with registration. Class size is limited, so please register early. You may ask to be put on a waiting list if the class is full. Read our class policies here.

Hope we see you there!

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