Continuing Textile Traditions: Andean Textile Arts

January 16, 2025

Andean Textile Arts is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting the people and communities of the Andes in their efforts to preserve and revitalize their textile traditions. Since 2000, ATA has primarily supported the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco through its educational and fundraising activities. Through these activities, with the support of our donor community, ATA awards grants to aid in such efforts as young weavers’ training and development; providing dye materials for dyes, weaving equipment, and traditional clothing; revitalization research and education to revitalize pre-Columbian textile techniques; community development, and so much more. 

In this presentation, board members Marilyn Murphy, Anita Osterhaug, and Ginger Jones will share an overview of ATA’s textile and cultural talks, guild programs, annual auction, and highlights of tours to Peru and Bolivia. 

Panelists:

Ginger Jones weaves together her commitment to women’s empowerment, traditional arts, cross-cultural understanding, and environmental sustainability as a nonprofit fundraiser for educational and environmental organizations for nearly 30 years. She has worked and travelled in Latin America, Africa, Nepal, Far East Russia, and Asia. Ginger brings her expertise to ATA as chair of its fundraising committee inclusive of ATA tours to Peru and Bolivia. 

Anita Osterhaug is an editor emerita of Handwoven magazine. An author and journalist, she studied history and anthropology at Reed College and recently published her first book, Nordic Hands, in 2023. She loves to explore the art and culture of traditional societies and the wisdom and benefits that they bring to modern life. As a board member of Andean  Textile Arts, weaving connects her with another of her passions, half a world away where she works to support Andean weavers in Peru and Bolivia. Anita serves as ATA’s vice president and chair of its marketing committee.

Marilyn Murphy has served as an ATA board member since 2013. Marilyn is an advocate for the preservation of vital craft-related communities, traditions, and knowledge around the world, and a lifelong supporter for textile makers and artists. She currently produces global textile-related content through clothroads.com and was previously president of Interweave Media, owner of Chicago’s Weaving Workshop and the founder of the Textile Arts Centre. Marilyn serves as ATA’s board president, is a selection committee member for the International Folk Art Market, an advisory council member for the Avenir Museum of Design & Merchandising, and a mentor and advisor to many in the global textile community.