Our Story
Wearable Art Midwest (WAM) coalesced as a group in 2000 as a way for those creating one-of-a-kind wearables to support and encourage each other to explore and expand their skill sets and methods as well as their imaginations. From the beginning there existed a strong desire to educate and provide opportunities for individuals to create and wear unique works of art that visibly reflect their unique voices.
WAM is an affiliated guild of the Textile Center of Minnesota and was the original impetus behind the creation of the popular Textile Center Dye Lab. WAM's members initiated the first Wearable Arts Sales in the Upper Midwest. They were also featured in every Art in Motion Fashion Show and more recently, in the 25th Anniversary Gala and Fashion Show in 2019.
The wide range of techniques our members explore is ever expanding: over-dying previously worn garments, eco-dying using leaves and natural objects, Nuno, wet, and needle felting, embroidery and embellishing, garment sewing, pattern making, draping, fitting, and creating fabric from scraps of yarn, fabrics, and even paper. Some artists incorporate printing on fabric, zero waste design, and upcycling. Accessories such as hats, jewelry, bags, belts, and even shoes are included.
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WAM continues to support and inspire those who are interested in learning to shift from pattern sewing to the creative process emerging from within oneself. Many WAM members are teachers and mentors in the Upper Midwest textile community, sharing valuable knowledge and skills and spreading passion for wearable art and design with others.
WAM's Founder
Gini Barsalou Corrick (1923-2017)
We wish to honor the memory of Gini Corrick as our founder. WAM was her idea, her baby from the beginning, and she was the juice that kept it going. We thrive today because of her strength, vision, drive and focus. We still cherish the twinkle in her eye, and you may still hear one of us reflect, “What would Gini do?”
After her husband’s death in 1999, Gini moved back to the Twin Cities and chose to live the next chapter of her life vigorously and vibrantly. She joined the American Sewing Guild but found it a bit conservative so she gathered a group of women interested in wearable art and started meeting in libraries around the area. These meetings moved to the Textile Center in 2001 when TC moved into their new building.
Many fabulous artists have come and gone but Gini was our glue; she lead by example and occasionally with some strong prodding. She saw the very best in everyone and worked tirelessly to help bring it out. By her example, she taught us how to be artists and showed us how to live life and love unconditionally.
Gini became a heralded textile designer and artist in a thriving fiber arts community. She won national acclaim for many of her hand-dyed wearable art garments. Gini was awarded the prestigious Spun Gold award by the Textile Center of Minnesota for her significant contribution to the textile community.
Thank you, Gini, for Wearable Art Midwest. We are forever grateful!
WAM's Co-Coordinators
WAM is led by a rotating team of three Co-Coordinators who serve for three years with different responsibilities each year. One Co-Coordinator steps down every year, and a new one takes their place. Meet the 2023 team...