ATA sponsors workshops in most odd numbered years. The workshops feature talented tapestry weavers with significant teaching experience.

Chimayo Weaving (Note: workshop completed)

taught by Lisa Trujillo

Above, left to right: Lisa Trujillo, Carnelian, Passion, Vallero Chief’s Blanket

Chimayo weaving is a 20th century outgrowth of the 400-year-old Rio Grande tradition. Chimayo weaving allows for a great deal of spontaneous design decisions, keeping the creative process true to the possibilities of weft, warp and loom, and opening up limitless opportunities for creativity. Using elements and techniques from its older source, Chimayo weaving offers an easily adaptable style that results in eye-pleasing designs. Solid backgrounds highlight colorful stripes and bold geometric center designs. Larger pieces include secondary tapestry designs as well. Chimayo techniques combine shuttle work with tapestry weave and can also include jaspes, inlaid lines that create designs between the tapestry designs.

This class is an opportunity to learn the principles and techniques of Chimayo weaving and design. These can be applied to any kind of pattern or image. The skills learned in this class can be used in all the Rio Grande Weaving styles, but the process involved in Chimayo weaving involves the most spontaneity. It involves less planning and more at-the-loom creativity.

Lisa Trujillo, along with her husband, Irvin, own Centinela Traditional Arts, a tapestry gallery located in Chimayo, New Mexico. Their workshop/gallery specializes in Chimayo/Rio Grande weavings featuring handspun yarns, custom dyed with natural dyestuffs. Lisa’s work has won awards and has been included in museum shows across the country. Her experimentation involves a fusion of cultural influences. Lisa teaches and demonstrates as part of her commitment to keep the traditional techniques alive.