Fibers

The Fibers program offers students an intensive grounding in traditional fiber techniques to support experimental work in art, artisanry, and design.

As a Fibers student at MassArt, you will experience a diverse array of courses that focus on the rich possibilities of understanding fibers in relation to other disciplines such as sculpture, performance, and installation. You will be encouraged to make personally meaningful connections between traditional approaches to fiber and contemporary developments in the field.

Featured Work

A blue triangular pennant with orange text that reads, WHAT DO Y-OU MEAN WHAT D-O I M-EAN? There are two metal grommets at the top corners.

Andy Li, ’12 BFA, Fibers The What, marine flag nylon, polyester embroidery thread, and brass grommets, 2021

A circular arrangement of dried, textured leaf fragments on a dark background. The leaves are clustered densely on the left side and spread out gradually towards the right, creating a gradient effect.

Iris Laurent, ’15 BFA, Fibers Phase, Fibers, 2014

A woven tapestry of an upside-down human figure hangs from a natural wooden branch—a striking piece for your portfolio. The earthy colors, detailed facial features, and long yarn strands contrast beautifully against the plain white wall.

Annabelle O’Reilly, ’23 BFA, Fibers Unraveling, Mixed Media, 2024

News & Features

A group of people smiling and standing together in a courtyard with lush plants on the walls, enjoying a sunny day. One person holds a dog. Their camaraderie and shared passion for sustainability are evident in their expressions, as if just returning from inspiring student travel courses.

From Laos to Mexico: Student Travel Courses Emphasize Craft and Sustainability
Jenine Shereos & Jennifer Varekamp Program Area Chair, Fibers & Chair, Fashion Design

Fashion Design

Fibers

International Education Center

Jenine Shereos & Jennifer Varekamp Program Area Chair, Fibers & Chair, Fashion Design

On the sunny side with artist and alumnus Andy Li

Boston Globe catches up with alumnus Andy Li, BFA ’12, about his work in the Boston Public Art Triennial.

Alumnus Emily Tirella’s Secondhand Crafts Store Featured in Boston Globe

Andy Li handcrafts positivity, one pennant at a time

Boston Globe

American Portrait: To me, work means…

PBS

Creative Haverhill and Local Artist Corea Offer Free ‘Craftivism’ Class for Teens Throughout November

97.9 WHAV

The Richest Project Runway Winners Might Surprise You

Zainab Sumu’s Fibers of Being

Boston Globe

Make & Mend, the ‘Art Supply Thrift Store of Your Dreams’

The Harvard Crimson

Make and Mend is a Thrift Store for the Crafty

Boston Globe

3 Art Gallery Shows to See Right Now

New York Times

Conversations around environmental and cultural sustainability are an essential part of our Fibers curriculum. Jenine Shereos Program Area Chair, Fibers