"The Nature of Things: How the Natural World Guides My Tapestries" with Tommye McClure Scanlin

Join San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles and American Tapestry Alliance for a special presentation by contemporary artist and tapestry weaver Tommye McClure Scanlin. Scanlin’s deep love of the natural world was inspired by the southern Appalachian Mountains where she grew up and still lives. Exploring the woods with camera and sketchbooks led her to discover the landscape details and natural forms that would become the primary subjects of her tapestries. Drawing upon her in-depth exploration of her surroundings and her 2020 visual memoir The Nature of Things: Essays of a Tapestry Weaver, Scanlin will explore how these inspirations from the natural world are interpreted and transformed into woven images.

Tommye McClure Scanlin is a Professor Emerita of the University of North Georgia, Dahlonega. She has been weaving and exhibiting tapestries since 1988, as well as teaching workshops throughout the Southeastern U.S. Scanlin’s work is currently featured in American Tapestry Biennial 13, an exhibition juried by Nick DeFord and on view at San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles until September 12, 2021.

With special thanks to SAQA for their support.