Tapestry is a form of textile art dating as far back as the 3rd century BC. Nearly every country in the world has its unique woven tradition, producing tapestries as both rugs and wall hangings to create decorative and insulated interiors.

Now you can start your own tradition of textile art and accent the beauty of your home by signing up for the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art’s next Arts Outreach Family Workshop — Tap into Tapestry, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. The session will be taught by professional textile artist and designer Jenifer Borg.

“I’ll begin with a brief description of some classic tapestries, such as the exquisite ‘Unicorn Series’,” Jenifer explained. “We’ll then weave our miniature tapestries using a variety of yarn, fabric strips and recycled materials on looms created from shoe boxes wound with warp, which I will prepare in advance,” she added.

Jenifer earned a Master of Fine Arts Degree in fabric design from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University. She worked as a Senior Textile Designer for Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC for several years. Jenifer also taught courses in fabric design and art appreciation at Athens Technical College.

She now teaches local classes and works on her own art projects in her home studio in Winterville, GA.

This workshop is one in a series to draw its inspiration from a very special source: the hooked rug designed by Steffen Thomas for the National Youth Administration (NYA) in 1939. The NYA was part of the Works Project Administration (WPA) initiated by President Franklin Roosevelt during the Great Depression of the 1930’s which employed millions to carry out public works. As Arts Supervisor for the NYA, Thomas designed the 12 foot wide by 16 foot long rug, which was created by students of Habersham College in Clarksville. A recurring theme in the design is the strength and nobility of ordinary men and women and the dignity of labor.

The NYA rug will be on display during the workshop. It is scheduled for restoration sometime this year. Museum visitors will be invited to watch the process.

The museum’s workshop fees are $10 for adults, $8 for children; STMA members receive a $2 discount. Those in financial need may attend free of charge. Reservations are required.

The STMA Arts Outreach Program provides family workshops for art enthusiasts of all ages one Saturday a month at the museum. All sessions are scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon.

The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art, located at 4200 Bethany Road, Buckhead, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information and directions, please visit www.steffenthomas.org or call (706) 342-7557.