Visitors to Vancouver during the Olympics are invited to participate in Common Threads, the Twisted Fibre Studio Tour.  This self-guided walking tour of three fibre art studios is the inspiration of Julie Pongrac, Michelle Sirois-Silver, and Judy Villett.  On Feb 6, 13, 20 and 27, those who visit their studios in the vibrant Commercial Drive and Strathcona neighborhoods will be treated to an amazing selection of completed works, works-in-progress, creative practices, engaging demonstrations, and rare opportunities to purchase gallery-quality fine craft.

Drawing on their life experiences with their surrounding environment and community, these local artists have eloquently and playfully adapted their inspirations into finely crafted fibre artworks.  Each practices in a traditional medium while pushing the boundaries of the contemporary and are proud to share their vision of fibre art with the world.  Julie Pongrac recently had work displayed in the 2009 Cheongju International Biennale in South Korea, Michelle Sirois-Silver currently has work displayed in the Cultural Olympiad “Art of Craft” exhibition at the Museum of Vancouver, and Judy Villett has exhibited work in England, Japan and the USA. 

Their accomplishments are distinguished, but don’t let that intimidate you.  These artists love to talk about their craft as visitors to the Eastside Culture Crawl, a popular annual studio tour of eastside Vancouver artists, can confirm. Familiar with the heart of the Arts community located 10 min from Downtown, they are eager to share the authentic cultural finds in their neighborhood.  To learn more about the tour artists and see images of their works go to commonthreadsvancouver.wordpress.com.  Here you can preview knitting, piecing, hooking and spinning events taking place in their studios on any of these Saturdays.