An exhibit titled “Linda: A Weaver and Her Threads” in Ashford University’s Cortona Art Gallery will feature the bags, placemats, rugs, hangers and other interesting and unique handwoven crafts created by Wisconsin artist Linda Melbard.  The exhibit will be on display through Saturday, Oct. 8. 

A special hands-on demonstration during a reception for the artist on Tuesday, Sept. 6 from 4-6 p.m. will give guests the opportunity to learn to weave. 

“One of my fondest memories as a child is of sitting on our front porch while my mom is teaching me to embroider,” Melbard said. “My grandma taught me to knit. In high school I taught myself to crochet and to quilt. I made many of my own clothes, including a swimsuit and my wedding dress. No one was too surprised when I took up weaving seven years ago.” 

“I find diversity is one of the best things about weaving – from different types of looms to a wealth of weaving structures and almost limitless fiber choices,” said Melbard, who lives in Greenfield, WI. If you can imagine it, you can weave it. And, yet, it all comes down to over and under, over and under, over and under.” 

The artist is a member of Wisconsin Handweavers, Inc. 

The Cortona Art Gallery is located on the second floor of Ashford University’s Clare Hall at 400 North Bluff Boulevard in Clinton. The Gallery is named for Sister Cortona Phelan, OSF, former president of Mount St. Clare College (MSC) and former president of the Sisters of St. Francis.  For many years, Sister Cortona influenced the quality of education at the college through her teaching of American history and her love of the arts.  She also served as MSC Academy principal and as dean of students at the college. 

The Gallery is open to the public, free of charge, every weekday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and for private showings by appointment. For further information, please call 563.242.4023. 

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.