What's Happening?
Susan Carlson, a fabric collage artist, has announced a series of new learning opportunities for 2026 and 2027, including online classes, private coaching, and in-person workshops. Starting in October/November 2026, she will host a four-week 'Captivating
Cats' Fabric Collage Follow-Along, demonstrating her collage process for creating personalized cat portraits. This will be followed by a 5-Day Live Online Fabric Collage Class in December 2026. For 2027, her schedule includes an international workshop, 'Strada Toscana—Serendipitous Fabric Collage with Susan Carlson,' in Tuscany, Italy, from April 18-23. She will also lead a 'Woodland Ridge Retreat—Fabric Images' in Downsville, Wisconsin, from September 21-25, and a 10-Day 'Fabric Collage Immersion' workshop in Pacific Grove, California, from October 25 to November 5, in collaboration with MISA (Madeline Island School of the Arts).
Why It's Important?
These new offerings from Susan Carlson contribute to the growing interest in textile arts and creative workshops, providing accessible learning opportunities for enthusiasts across various skill levels. The blend of online and in-person formats caters to a diverse audience, allowing individuals to engage with fabric collage regardless of their geographical location or time constraints. The international workshop in Tuscany highlights the global appeal of art education and cultural exchange through creative pursuits. For the U.S., the workshops in Wisconsin and California support local art communities and tourism, drawing participants to specific regions. The emphasis on personalized projects, such as cat portraits, fosters individual creativity and provides a unique outlet for artistic expression, enriching the broader arts and crafts landscape.
What's Next?
Participants can register for the 'Captivating Cats' Fabric Collage Follow-Along starting in October/November 2026, with subsequent registrations opening for the December 2026 online class and the 2027 workshops. Carlson will continue to provide pre-class coaching and ongoing support for her students, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. The recorded sessions for online classes offer flexibility for those unable to attend live. The success of these programs will likely influence future scheduling and the development of new themed workshops, potentially expanding the reach and impact of fabric collage as an art form. The workshops also serve as a platform for community building among textile artists.
Beyond the Headlines
Susan Carlson's dedication to teaching fabric collage goes beyond mere instruction; it fosters a sense of community and personal accomplishment among her students. The art form itself, which involves piecing together fabrics to create images, encourages a unique blend of artistic vision and meticulous craftsmanship. This process can be therapeutic and meditative, offering participants a creative escape and a means of self-expression. The workshops, particularly the immersive and international ones, provide not only artistic skill development but also opportunities for cultural enrichment and travel. In an increasingly digital world, hands-on creative activities like fabric collage offer a valuable counterpoint, promoting tactile engagement and the creation of tangible art.
