Hennepin Avenue UMC invites you to explore Sacred Textiles, a unique exhibition in Carlson Hall that intertwines the threads of faith, history, and artistry. This exhibition will feature the extraordinary Valley Grove Tapestries designed and woven by Robbie LaFleur. Alongside will be Lafleur’s Open-Warp tapestries depicting endangered species, and selections from Hennepin’s liturgical textiles woven by Phyllis Waggoner.

The Valley Grove Tapestries, woven in the traditional Norwegian billedvev technique, tell the rich story of Norwegian immigrants who settled in Nerstrand, Minnesota. Each of the four tapestries captures the essence of the Valley Grove churches, the surrounding prairie, and the lives of the early settlers, blending historical detail with the vibrant artistry of this enduring craft.

Robbie LaFleur’s Open Warp transparent tapestries explore a technique more than a hundred years after Norwegian artist Frida Hansen patented the method. Portions of the weavings, usually hung as portieres or curtains, are left unwoven, giving a see-through effect and an emphasis on positive and negative spaces in the images.

In addition to these tapestries, the exhibition will also highlight the woven textiles by Phyllis Waggoner, whose work has adorned our worship spaces. With color and symbols, Phyllis’s textiles have played a significant role in enhancing the sacred atmosphere of our sanctuary throughout the liturgical seasons.

This exhibition offers an opportunity to experience the profound connections between art, spirituality, and community. Come and immerse yourself in the stories and symbols woven into these sacred textiles, each piece a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and craftsmanship.