VirtuArte.com

Last September I wrote a post about Carol Cassidy, the textile designer who moved to Laos in 1989. While working as a advisor on a United Nations International Labor Organization project she was impressed by the technical skills of Lao weavers. This, in combination with her discovery of extraordinary antique textiles in local markets prompted her to establish Lao Textiles, an independent weaving studio in 1990. Her goal was to demonstrate the commercial viability of creating textiles based upon tradition for a modern world.

I have just learned that Carol will be speaking at the Textile Museum located in Washington, DC on Sunday, the 3rd of May. She will also show her new collection of handmade silk scarves and decor.

Carol has had a significant impact on the perservation of Lao textile traditions. She has shown that a market exists for the finest Lao textiles and has encouraged weavers to be proud of their profession as a source of income and as an expression of both their personal skills and their country heritage. In 2005 she became the owner and manager of Weaves of Cambodia, a weaving studio located in a remote village in Northern Cambodia.

If you are interested in textiles; the preservation of traditions; the experiences of setting up a private business in a country where, at the time, there was no private sector; or the countries of Laos and Cambodia than I recommend attending Carol's presentation. Who knows you might even find that perfect gift for Mother's Day.

For more information go to http://www.textilemuseum.org/calendar/calendar.htm