Textile Center
3000 University Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414 (Map)
Telephone 612-436-0464
Fax 612-436-0466

Gallery & Shop Hours are Mon-Thu 10-7,
Fri & Sat 10-5

Library Hours are
Mon & Thurs 9-1 & 5-7, Tue 9-7
Weds & Fri 9-1, Sat 12-4
Textile Center News Textile Center Shop Textile Mobile Classes & Workshops Joan Mondale Gallery Events & Exhibitions About Textile Center Textile Center Members Textile Center Library Donate or Volunteer
Mentor Application 2007-2008

Mentor/Protégé Program Brochure 2007-2008

Protégé Application 2007-2008

Vision and Focus Postcard
Vision and Focus Press release

"The mentor program has exceeded my expectations. I never thought my work would improve so much or look so good!" - 2004 Program Protégé

"It was rewarding and fun to share with others my knowledge and to learn so much from the other mentors and the protégés." - 2004 Program Mentor

About
The Textile Center Mentor Program is a program set up to facilitate the artistic and business goals of emerging artists. The promotion of each protégé's art or craft is developed through a supportive one-on-one relationship with a professional artist working in the field of fiber. This program fosters the advancement of each protégé's techniques in their own media through personal instruction and critique, enriching both understanding and advancement of their work. Participation in this program strengthens each protégé's confidence in their work, and their confidence in seeing themself as a working artist in the community at large. These pursuits are built on the working relationship between mentor and protégé, empowering each artist to take risks and work toward future goals.

The Textile Center Mentor Program is designed to support emerging textile artists with one-on-one guidance from established textile artists. Professional and artistic advice is provided to emerging artists who are dedicated to their craft and are ready to take their education beyond workshops and technique oriented classes, and who may have limited experience showing and exhibiting their work. Mentorships are for an 18-month period and culminate in a final exhibition of all mentors' and protégés' work. Mentors provide a supportive environment for protégés, as well as a source of information and guidance.

by Jeanette Paulson


The Mentors
Mentors for this session were selected on the basis of their interest in mentoring emerging artists, their record of excellence in personal achievement in the textile arts and for the diversity of skills and background they bring to the program. More than one protégé may work with each of the mentor artists.
Informational packets on the mentor artists are available for review at the Textile Center office during business hours.
Prospective protégés may also contact individual mentors directly by e-mail:
Mary Bergs
Anna Carlson
Kelly Marshall
Ann Hall Richards
Christina Yocca


Mary Bergs is a visual artist who works in 2D and 3D media. Bergs uses artifacts from nature and culture to explore visual language systems. Her repertoire includes fiber arts, book arts, monoprint, sculpture, drawing and installation. Bergs has exhibited her work in solo and group exhibitions throughout the Midwest, and in national juried shows. She is the recipient of a MN State Arts Board grant and a Jerome Travel Study grant. Bergs has been a visiting arts teacher at colleges and universities and has taught in elementary and junior high schools. She is currently the Art and Design Consultant at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.

Anna Carlson is an artist, designer and craftsperson who creates clothing that attracts the senses. Using a variety of surface design techniques, she constructs dyed, textured and patterned fabrics into garments that are inspired by places and events. Anna shows her work in national juried shows, writes technical articles and teaches workshops.

Kelly Marshall explores her passion for color and design through her art of weaving. She has a BS in design and studied textile design and weaving techniques for one year in Sweden. She established Custom Woven Interiors, Ltd. in 1992, and designs and manufactures custom rugs and textiles for home and corporate settings around the country. She comes to this program to share her experience in business and weaving and to encourage others to follow their passion.

Ann Hall Richards creates hand made paper and waxed linen sculptural vessels and wall pieces that are intuitive interpretations of personal life experiences. Inspiration is derived from elements of psychology, myth, and historic symbolic or ritualistic artifacts. She has been showing and marketing her work through galleries and exhibitions nationally for the last 10 years. Richards has won several national awards and was Artist of Distinction for fiber at the 2002 Minnesota Crafts Council Fiber/Metal show. She has lectured on contemporary basketry and has taught workshops in off loom weaving techniques and paper making.

Christina Yocca creates hand dyed garments that feature a contemporary twist on traditional Japanese shibori dyeing. References from nature inspire and imbue her sculpural work. She owns and designs for Hand Dyed Art to Wear and is a creativity coach at Bluestone Creativity Center. Christina has taught fiber art for over 20 years at schools including, U.W. Eau Claire, the University of Arts in Philadelphia and the Tayler School of Art. Her technical skills include weaving, basketry, collage, surface design and sculpture. She has exhibited extensively and has recieved many commissions, awards and grants.

Program Costs and Time Commitment
  • Program cost is $900.00, plus an additional $150.00 administrative fee.
  • The program fee is payable in two parts, due in December 2006 and June 2007.
  • The program will run from January 2007 through July 2008. A final exhibition is scheduled for September 2008.
  • There will be a minimum of 6 mandatory meetings throughout this time period. Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed, determined by the mentors and protégés.
  • Mentors and protégés will spend 30 one-on-one hours working together throughout this program. These hours will be scheduled by each mentor-protégé pair.
Additional Expectations for protégés The following are examples of additional expenses or activities that protégés could expect as a part of this program. These are to give you an idea of expenses you may need to budget for as you participate in the program.
  • Producing new work during the time period of the mentorship
  • Transportation to and from meetings
  • Mentors and protégés share in bringing potluck style snacks for group meetings
  • One meeting will focus on photographing your work. Protégés should expect to spend approximately $150-200 for professional photography and processing from this photo session.
  • Display materials (stands, hanging equipment etc) for your work.


Important Dates
  • September 8, 2006 - "Vision and Focus" Show Opens. This is an exhibition of work by the 2005/2006 group of mentors and protégés.
  • September 15, 2006 6 to 8 pm - Opening reception for "Vision and Focus".
  • October 3, 2006 6 to 8 pm. Informational Meeting for prospective protégés.
    Mentors will give slide presentations about their work and answer questions about the mentor program. This informational meeting will be held at the Textile Center, 3000 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
  • November 10, 2006 - Protégé Applications are due.
  • Mid-November, 2006 - Mentors review applications and contact protégé's for interviews.
  • December 2006 - Mentors and protégé pairs are chosen and contracts are due.
  • January 2007 - 2007-2008 Mentor/Protégé Program begins.
  • September 2008 - Gallery Exhibition for Mentor/Protégé Program.