We have included a number of Sievers stories here during this past year. Thank you to everyone who shared their story with us as part of our 40th anniversary season!
As part of the early Sievers School story, we found this in a 1981 flyer written by Walter Schutz. He begins, “Be the one…in your group of friends who can show off exquisite, one-of-a-kind hand woven jackets, scarfs, table linens, rugs, wall hangings. Be the one who is admired and perhaps envied for the skill of her hands. Be the one who has found contentment and happiness by doing something just for yourself for once. Be the one who has taken advantage of the joys and fulfillment that has come from a week or two at our exhilarating School of Fiber Arts. You owe it to yourself. I would be so happy to have you as a student.
Cordially, Walter E. Schutz”.
You can feel Walter’s enthusiasm for the school in his writing. It’s also a wonderful example of his advertising and marketing skills in action.
Here are a few more Sievers stories…
“I thoroughly enjoyed the retrospective display that was on the tables in the studio when we began our class this year. It brought back lots of memories, especially the photo from the first class I took at Sievers, Mary Ellen Johnson’s Basic Weaving class in June of 1982. I remember the glorious June weather, and taking the looms out onto the deck to weave.
I was privileged to be there during the early years and I have fond memories of Walter. One year I brought my parents up to the Island, and my dad and Walter became good friends in the space of a short visit. Walter was an amazing man, and the clips in the retrospective make that very clear. He laid a good foundation for the school…” Diane H.
From Suzanne A., “I first came to Sievers in 2013 after seeing the incredible baskets my sister made…. It’s a great time to bond with my sister, but also with the whole family of people who come to Sievers each year. Even though the classes and members change there is so much history and love of the Island.”
This is an “archival” Sievers story from August of 1990: “Last year I celebrated my 50th birthday at Sievers and I can’t think of a nicer way to celebrate such an important birthday. This week has settled something in my mind, that it’s okay to use my time and talents in creative pursuits. Thanks for giving me so many opportunities and providing such a wonderful facility.” Mary Jane K. (We have been fortunate to see Mary Jane many times since, including this year.)
As a reflection of the past season, these photos include one from each month of classes, May through October.
Thank you for your smiling faces and beautiful fiber arts throughout the year. Many have been shown in these posts, on our website, in the flyer and brochure, on social media and more. You are all a part of the Sievers story!
I wish I had met Walter but his spirit is still alive at Sievers!!!
You would have been great friends!