Exhibit Opening: Friday, October 3, 6-8 p.m.: Mihoko Wakabayashi Solo Exhibition of Saori free-style weaving, Saori Worcester Studio & Gallery, 131 Highland St., Worcester.
Free: Refreshments, live music, and a chance to try Saori weaving yourself. The exhibit runs through Saturday, November 15.
For more information, call 508-757-4646. For gallery hours, visit www.saoriworcester.com/schedule.htm.
Mihoko’s show unfurls the spectacular variety of what it is possible to create with “plain” weaving, using the simple yet ingeniously designed Saori 2-harness loom, and the improvisational Saori style. Works will include yarn that Mihoko has spun, woven and dyed by hand. Pieces of old Japanese kimono fabric have been integrated into certain works, as if to unify the traditional Japanese weaving arts with the contemporary Japanese art of Saori. The exhibit includes both tapestries and clothing, and most of the works are for sale.
Mihoko has been teaching Saori in Worcester, MA, since 2000, when she opened the first Saori studio in the U.S. in her own home. In 2004, the studio moved to 131 Highland St., permitting Mihoko to teach many more students of all ages, including many with various disabilities.
Shown in the photos are Mihoko's tunic (left) and lotus tapestry (right).
