As you walk past Mackenzie Kelly-Frère’s studio on the fourth floor of Central Library, it’s hard not to stop and stare. The space is filled with wool and materials that have a variety of colours and textures.  

You might also see Mackenzie making his own thread on a spinning wheel. As he effortlessly pulls the yarn and rhythmically pushes the foot pedals, it’s clear that he has many years of experience.  

Exploring the Art and History of Textiles 

Textiles are materials that are made from fibres and have a wide range of purposes. They include clothing, fabrics, ropes, and threads. Mackenzie has written about textiles, exhibits his textile work internationally, and has taught textile techniques for nearly 30 years. His residency at the Library will give him the time to spin threads that will be showcased at the Alberta Craft Council this fall.  

As the Library’s first Textile Artist in Residence, Mackenzie is sharing more about the history of textiles, in particular with weaving. The craft of weaving has been used for thousands of years. His own practice gives him a glimpse into the past. He primarily works with textiles that he uses for research. 

“I'm weaving to learn about other weavers in the past. Sometimes I'm using historical forms, sometimes contemporary forms,” explains Mackenzie. 

Connection through Cloth 

One of Mackenzie’s favourite aspects of his work is being able to share his knowledge with the community. Textiles and our relationship to them act as a connection point. 

“I find it's a really lovely conversation to have with people when they tell you about a sweater that grandma made for them or a quilt somebody gave that was really special. Everybody has something in textiles that's interesting to them or intimate to them,” says Mackenzie. 

Workshops at the Library will bring together community members of all ages. The programs are a chance to challenge yourself and try something new. Mackenzie will lead spindle spinning and a practice called card weaving.  

“It's a very tricky thing to do. Some people will throw the spindle down with frustration, but other people will stick with it and they'll be able to get something that they can take away,” says Mackenzie. 

Along with learning how to weave, the community will also learn more about the materials around us. Mackenzie primarily uses natural fibres, many of which are grown close to Calgary.  

“The neat thing about talking about local wools is it opens up an entire conversation around regenerative agriculture, responsible land-based practices, and ecology, which of course, is really fascinating,” says Mackenzie. 

Mackenzie is thrilled to be meeting new people at the Library and creating new connections. To book office hours or register for a program with Mackenzie, visit our website.