I had the privilege of presenting the PiPN program to students at Dominican University, just west of downtown Chicago, last Thursday. (The University has about 4000 students in total.) Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Susan Strawn, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, I had an audience of eager young students interested in knowing more about the needlearts and the opportunities available in this industry.

As it turns out, Dr. Strawn . . . or Susan . . . as she likes to be addressed, began her career in the arts years ago . . . but as an illustrator first, then author, doing work with Interweave Press when it was just starting out. Later she went back to school to earn her PhD, and has been with Dominican University for the past 4 or 5 years (I believe . . . ).

After my presentation, Susan and I had a chance to chat. She currently teaches a fabulous survey class during the fall semester that includes a number of fiber techniques, including shibori, surface embroidery and embellishment . . . and more. (There were lots of others but know I don’t have all the terminology accurate . . . the number of techniques, both traditional and evolving, is absolutely mind boggling.), Susan showed me some of the pieces her students have created. Totally amazing. According to Susan, there was a waiting list for the class this year. Susan commented that “The appeal has been both a little surprising as well as exciting.” It just goes to show the interest in the fiber arts.

Several of the students showed interested in learning more about the PiPN program. We also are hoping to work more closely with the University in supporting their needlearts educational efforts.