We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Audrey Legatowicz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Audrey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I took an adult education class when my daughter was an infant, 46 years ago. I studied on my own, and eventually joined the Dallas Handweavers Guild, where I enhanced my skills by attending meetings and additional workshops. I believe my passion for textiles and weaving is linked to my heritage. My grandmothers were both seamstresses and exposed me to sewing , knitting, and crochet at a young age. Weaving requires patience, and my experiences with meditation could have prepared me to enjoy the process. Having children kept me from taking classes and workshops which certainly would have helped me develop more skills.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

In 1980, I moved to Dallas from the Chicago area, I found a job at the local weaving shop, Spindletop Yarn Shop and began to assist the weaving instructor , Jeanne Kudlicki, at the Dallas Craft Guild. As a member of the Dallas Handweavers Guild, I participated in a sale. Realizing that there was an interest in my creations, I started my own weaving business. I exhibited at juried art fairs and galleries to sell my work. For several years I was hired by the Plano ISD as a visiting artist. I prepared demonstrations for 4th graders throughout the district. My presentation included carding the wool, spinning on a drop spindle and spinning wheel, weaving cloth on a loom, and I related the process to Texas history. This gave the students an understanding of how fabric is made, and how in the early times it was a necessity, rather than a useful art form.
I ran my own consignment art gallery and later partnered with other weavers at a Fiber gallery where I also taught some weaving classes.
I have taken on challenging projects which have helped me grow and develop new skills.
I take pride in creating functional art, whether for personal adornment (wearable art) or items for interiors (rugs, wall hangings, pillows, accessories).
Currently I have a studio and shop at the Chicken Farm Art Center in San Angelo, Texas.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Personally, I feel that creating is the best therapy to cope with life and grow. It is very rewarding to observe the joy customers share when viewing and purchasing my work. i find it rewarding to educate people and to keep the craft of weaving alive. I have experienced recognition of my skills as a professional weaver. I was hired to teach fiber arts at the Booker T. Washington Arts Magnet school in Dallas, Texas, and I was chosen to participate in an exhibit at the San Angelo Fine Art Museum in San Angelo, Texas.
It is a Blessing to be able to still truly enjoy working on my fiber art after so many years, and take on new projects.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

First, and foremost it is necessary for the schools to support the arts, rather than dropping the arts from the curriculum. It is unfortunate that many universities favor sports and are eliminating art classes. Humanity is suffering with the loss of art appreciation due to the lack of education and experiences .

Contact Info:

• Website: www.audreylegatowicz.com
• Facebook: Audrey Legatowicz