Phyllis Fredendall talks fiber, fashion and Brule Scholarship

Phyllis Fredendall, who is in charge of the fiber and fashion design program at Finlandia, stopped by this week to represent the International School of Art and Design on Finlandia Fridays. The degree, as stated by Fredendall, “encompasses surface design, which is dying and printing on textiles, weaving and off-loom structures, so the foundation of cloth, and garment design.” One of the perks of the program is the annual fashion show that is held along with the student juried exhibit in the spring. Fredendall stated that the students put their own spin on it, making it Hancock and not New York.

•  Student Fashion Show and Juried Exhibit

Fredendall also stopped by to discuss the Brule Scholarship, a $20,000 scholarship offered to students interested in pursuing a degree in art and design. The scholarship includes a portfolio review, “which is one of the most important roles as faculty,” stated Fredendall. Transferring in, Jessica Gill won the Brule Scholarship for 2017. A current student of Fredendall, Gill “is a delight to work with and always in the studio.”

• Brule Scholarship Application

One of the perks of the art program at Finlandia is the fluidity of ideas and a more freeform class structure. Upper level students, after learning the basics in their beginning classes, are granted more studio time and are encouraged to experiment with the tools available. One of the more abundant tools found in the fiber studio are the looms. With a multitude of looms to try out, the possibilities are endless.

Because of the multiple opportunities, student work is shown throughout the campus, most notably in the communications department, the auditorium at the Jutila Center, and the theater of the Finnish American Heritage Center. The communications department features a hand-dyed curtain, dyed by one of Fredendall’s surface design classes. The technique was taught to Fredendall on one of her trips to Finland. Another technique that Fredendall teaches is Jacquard design, where students learn to input designs into a specific program. Once the design is finished, the design is sent to a company in New York, where it is then produced and sent back to them to use to their heart’s desire. The Jutila Center and the Heritage Center both feature Jacquard designs.

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