It has been a crazy start to a new year. The Historic Weaving studio has officially moved from Bozeman to Butte, MT. An in-state move that gives me better access for students and fellow researchers. Butte,MT or Butte America as the locals refer to it is a unique place in Montana, at the intersection of I-15 and I-90, it is centrally located. Butte offers great history, entertainment options, outdoor sport access, and for me the opportunity to have a studio on the Main Street – Montana St. I choose to locate the studio approximately 2 blocks from the South Montana exit on I-90. It is an easy on and off of the Interstate, with two convenient gas stations on the right side of the road. There is also a great coffee/lunch stop on the left side of the road if you are famished when you get here. The studio is located behind my home, and is visible from Montana St. According to the zoning rules, no signage is allowed, but finding the only green building on the left side of the road while driving South will not prove difficult.

Some of the great features of the studio so far: there is a driveway that can handle up to a 35′ Class Motorhome with ease. I am planning on setting up full service connections in case they might be needed. For now I can access 30 or 50 amp electrical service from the outside of the studio. It’s nice to know you can safely pull in and have your own space to rest your head. If you prefer a full service campground, Butte offers a KOA Discovery a few blocks away (Kaw Street – off of Front St).

If you were to fly in: Butte has a regional airport served by Major Airlines: SkyWest Airlines, United, Delta all fly non-stop to Butte.

Currently, we are in the process of setting up the new studio space, converting a 24 x 24 garage into a studio to house the Drawloom and the AVL Dobby loom. It will also include space for the “Weave with me” workshop looms. The studio will be insulated, well lit and air conditioned with a heat pump. Opening is expected some time in the summer of 2022.

If you traveling across Montana or cross country you will want to put Historic Weaving on your itinerary. You will find the new location both comfortable and convenient.

Until the studio conversion is complete, I am not planning on offering classes to the public. I am spending my time researching new historic designs and working exclusively with table looms and working on the studio construction. I welcome visits from friends and fellow fiber artists who understand what it is like to be in transition for a long period of time.

One of my other tasks for the year is to bring Handwovensforsale.com to life as a marketplace for handwoven goods to the public. I will not have a retail storefront here in Butte at the present moment. I am willing to market handwoven goods made by artists other than myself. I am in the planning phases thinking about what that could look like and what resources might be needed that I do not already have.