Originally from Japan, Chiaki brings weaving to participants ranging from small children to older adults. Chiaki creates an environment in which participants can relax, explore, have fun, and be inspired by each other. She encourages exploration – to have the freedom to choose colors and textures while creating, and much more! She wants you to express yourself on a loom, without worrying about anyone judging what you do! Showing yourself in your piece tells the world, “I’m different from everyone!”
Chiaki is most known for her SAORI weaving classes and it’s is a huge part of Chiaki’s life, bringing this artform to schools museums, senior citizens’ facilities, fiber-related festivals, and at the Minnesota Textile Center, among other venues.
In addition, to SAORI weaving, Chiaki teaches a variety of fiber arts activities with COMPAS.
More About the Artist
Learn more about Chiaki in her August 2018 Artist Spotlight Interview.
Program Offerings
Workshops
Bengala Soil Dyeing
In two hours, participants can dye a scarf or two, choosing from among 12 natural colors. This ancient dyeing process involves kneading, providing exercise to hands and fingers. Participants also enjoy the bright natural colors of Mother Earth coming from Bengala soil and create surprising designs on scarves they can keep or give as gifts.
Limited to 15 participants max, 10-12 ideal.
Kumihimo (Japanese braiding)
Learn Kumihimo, an ancient Japanese form of braid making. Literally meaning “gathered threads,” Kumihimo braids are made by interlacing strands of silk, yarn, or other fibers to make a strong, decorative braided rope that can easily be turned into jewelry and accessories.
Circle Weaving
When circle weaving, also known as circular weaving or round weaving, you can use an embroidery hoop as a loom and weave in a circular direction after setting up warp strings on a loom to make whatever you’d like such as a wall decoration, a pin or a coaster. The instructor will have a variety of materials for you to choose from. You can make your own design using as many colors and textures you like.
SAORI Weaving
SAORI Weaving provides the opportunity of freedom. Freedom to choose colors and textures while creating, to explore and much more! Chiaki will provide SAORI looms for the students to work on and she will facilitate and encourage students as they develop skills and enjoy SAORI Weaving process. The aim of the workshop is for students to create one-of-a-kind piece of woven art!
Residencies
Joy of Exploration: SAORI Weaving
SAORI Weaving provides the opportunity of freedom. Freedom to choose colors and textures while creating, to explore and much more! Chiaki will provide SAORI looms for the students to work on and she will facilitate and encourage students as they develop skills and enjoy SAORI Weaving process.
Fiber Arts
Chiaki combines a variety of fiber activities into one residency.
“I would definitely recommend Chiaki to others! Our students appreciated how ‘hands on’ this workshop/residency turned out to be. It was amazing to see how our students progressed throughout the week. What a perfect, tactile art for our students that incorporates social, cognitive, and independence skills as well!”
Ms. Pelletier, Minnesota State Academy for the Blind
