Handweaver Allison Grove uses Montana wool yarns and plant dyes to portray nature in her art. Allison has a 25-year career in animal science research, but found her way to weaving after her sister started spinning and sending her exquisite handspun yarns. This rekindled her love for the weaving traditions of the desert southwest and awakened a desire to learn how to weave herself. Initially self-taught, she learned to weave from books. Later, experienced weavers shared their knowledge and introduced her to the Montana weaving community. She uses a drawloom to weave decorative pillows and wall art using designs based on wildlife, flowers, fall foliage and western motifs.
Allison started a weaver’s garden which includes traditional dye plants like dyer’s coreopsis (orange), dyer’s chamomile (yellow), Japanese indigo (blue), and madder (red). She recently self-published a book “Montana Dye Garden: A Weaver’s Journey” sharing her experiments of growing traditional dye plants in Montana and weaving with the plant-dyed wool yarns. Dyeing with plants and weaving with wool yarns from sheep raised in Montana keeps her connected to the land and her agricultural roots.
Allison completed the Montana Artrepreneur Program (MAP) offered by the Montana Arts Council in 2020 and completed the certification process in August 2022. She has received Strategic Investment Grants from the Montana Arts Council to purchase a new loom and support travel expenses while vending at events around Montana. Allison is a regular vendor at the Helena Holiday MADE Fair and The Great Western Show. Two of her handwoven pieces were selected for the “Montana Fiber Traditions” exhibit at the Holter Museum of Art in 2019. She can be found online at allisongrove.com.
Kammy Johnson: Spinner, Weaver, Shepherd, Agriculturist
Kammy is a multi-generational agriculturist, animal health professional, and fiber artist who is passionate about producing, using, and promoting wool and wool products with a focus on natural colored wool. She leveraged her professional skills and inter-generational knowledge of livestock and agriculture to develop a flock of colored sheep to supply herself and other fiber artists with high quality spinning fiber and yarn, all while using sustainable agriculture production methods to honor and improve her land. Kammy has expanded her fiber knowledge and technical skills by studying with regional and nationally recognized spinners and weavers, becoming a certified judge of wool and cashmere, completing the technical levels of Olds College Master Spinner Program, and earning the designation of Master Weaver by completing the Old College Master Weaver Program. She is committed to producing premium woolen textiles and teaching others to aid them on their personal journey toward doing the same. Her farm and studio operate under the moniker “From the Land to the Loom”, reflecting the core values that are central to her endeavours.
This year, as part of their contribution to the Family Area, Allison and Kammy are giving children the opportunity to explore the art of weaving through a hands-on, guided activity.
