Traditional hand weaver and fiber artist Hosana Eilert cuddles up to some of her naturally dyed yarn. The owner of Wild West Weaving, she will be teaching a workshop for all ages at the Silver City Museum Annex on January 11 from 1-3pm.On Saturday, January 11, from 1-3pm, the Silver City Museum hosts a Winter Weaving Workshop with master fiber artist Hosana Eilert of Wild West Weaving. As winter sets in and we long to hunker beneath blankets and sweaters, it’s the perfect time to explore our rich regional heritage in wool and weaving -- and make a one-of-a-kind piece to take home with you!

This workshop takes place in the Museum Annex at 302 West Broadway. It is free with a $5 suggested donation. All materials are provided and projects are differentiated for all age groups and skill levels.

Visitors to our recently-extended Ranching in Grant County exhibit will know that this area has deep roots in wool and fiber. In 1880, Grant County was home to over 14,000 sheep producing 40,000 lbs of wool, but barely 4,000 cattle. Silver City was the seat of the National Mohair Growers Association -- mohair being the luxuriously soft hair of the Angora goat. There is a touchable sample on display as part of the exhibit Ranching in Grant County, now showing.

We are fortunate to have local artisans like Hosana Eilert keeping this cozy craft alive and well in Silver City.

Hosana Eilert, owner of Wild West Weaving has been creating woven works of art for more than twenty years. She began her journey with an apprenticeship in Northern New Mexico with Chimayo weaving masters, Lisa and Irvine Lawrence Trujillo.  The hand-woven Chimayo wall hangings and Rio Grande styles which the Trujillo's weave and teach, has been evolving since the 1500s when the Spanish and Mexican cultures combined.  And as with all things evolving, so has Hosana’s designs with contemporary patterns now incorporated into her collected works. 

A hand weaver, a natural dye enthusiast and a teacher, Hosana Eilert's passion and goal is to spread the word of the importance of honoring such a time honored traditional art and skill.  Weaving is not just about the past, Weaving is right now.

The Silver City Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, understand, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of southwestern New Mexico by collecting, preserving, researching, and interpreting the region's unique history. It is nationally recognized through its accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums. Admission is free; a suggested donation of $5 helps support the museum’s education programs, collections care and exhibitions. For more information, please contact the museum at (575) 589-5921 info@silvercitymuseum.org , or visit the museum's website: www.silvercitymuseum.org