Fiber Club* was founded in October 2022 by fine artist and arts administrator Katie Shulman as a response to an expressed need among creative practitioners in southeast Michigan to organize around a shared interest in advancing fiber art processes and practices. Since its founding, the group has experienced enthusiastic participation and encouragement from the greater arts community.

Involvement in Fiber Club* is based on individual interest. Monthly gatherings are open to all practicing fiber artists, or those curious about or passionate for fiber- and textile-based practices.

2022

  • Katie Shulman had recently moved back to Michigan after completing graduate school and sought out an art community that had shared interests in advancing fiber art processes and practices. By contacting friends and working the network, she discovered that others had a similar interest. A decision was made to pull together a regular gathering for this group - and invite anyone else interested in joining.

  • Having rallied a group of about 30 practicing fiber artists, the first gathering was held at the Scarab Club in Detroit.

    Subsequent meetings were announced through Instagram posts and the group began to grow each month, drawing students, teachers and alums from all the regional art schools (CCS, U-M, Wayne State, Cranbrook), practitioners, emerging artists, professional artists, and crafters and makers alike.

    Core to each gathering was an opportunity to share announcements and a “Show & Tell” portion in which several artists take the floor to present work, get feedback, practice a talk, or use the time as needed. Time for snacks and socializing was also built in.

2023

  • Inspired to participate in Detroit’s annual Month of Design, several Fiber Club* artists initiated a group show effort with a goal to present an inclusive exhibit that ultimately comprehended the work of over 50 artists, from emerging to established professionals.

    The show was held at the Convent where the work was on view for a month.

  • In conjunction with the Mending the Net exhibit, Fiber Club* initiated a new programming series that provided opportunities for members of the community to engage in fiber arts activities in the context of the show.

    Artist-led workshops included a natural dye immersion, sewing, weaving, and an arts writing intensive.

  • As word about Fiber Club* continued to spread, so too did attendance at monthly meetings. We were invited to meet at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), using their expansive cafe for a number of gatherings.

2024

  • Fiber Club* participants had an exciting opportunity to be part of another group exhibit during Detroit’s Month of Design — this time, under the curatorial leadership of Sarah Rose Sharp and Lisa Waud and within the expansive space of the Boyer Campbell Building in the Detroit Design District. Over 75+ artists joined in the effort to transform the historic building into a comprehensive and immersive art experience for a month.

    Ongoing programming created a vibrant community center, adding music performances, performance art, craft circles, poetry readings, and more.

  • We expanded on our previous year’s success with workshops and organized and supported a number of stand-alone programs including weaving workshops, farm field trips, and more.

  • Fiber Club* organized a group exhibit at the Gifts of Art Gallery at University of Michigan’s hospital system. By putting out a call for art that included a nominal submission fee, Fiber Club* was able to create an opportunity to provide a stipend to the show’s curator. The show included 52 works of art, on display for 2-1/2 months.

  • Fiber Club* was a recipient of the 2023 Detroit Art + Tech Expansion Fund.