Search | Directories | Reference Tools
UW Home > Discover UW > Student Guide > Course Catalog 

Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Louise Cabeen
ART 427
Seattle Campus

Special Topics in Surface Design

Advanced art making in the field of surface design. Topics include improvisational silk screening, artists' books, and explorations of non-traditional approaches in surface design.

Class description

This class explores different topics related to art making with cloth or cloth-related media. The topic this quarter is "Off the Table and Out of the Box". We will explore art and artists who use fabric to make large-scale art works, and each student will create 3 such projects.

Student learning goals

Students will become familiar with a range of contemporary artists working with fiber, fabric and cloth whose work extends beyond traditional gallery space.

Students will understand the basic process by which such large scale work is accomplished.

Students will understand their own creative process more fully in creating projects that exist beyond the classroom.

General method of instruction

Slide lecture. readings, and guest speakers will introduce the conceptual basis for class. Hands-on demonstrations will be offered as needed. Peer dialogue, discussion and critique will also be part of the general instruction.

Recommended preparation

ART227 and ART327 are highly recommended but not required. Willingness to experiment, to try new things, to entertain new ideas and having a good work ethic are most important for success in this class.

Class assignments and grading

There will be 3 main assignments, each focusing on a different aspect of large scale art in cloth/fiber. The basic theme of the assignment will be addressed in class via slides, readings and discussion but the student's approach to the assignment will be their own.

Engagement with the process introduced by each assignment is most important, as is steady participation in class discussion and dialogue. I am much more interested in spectacular failure than timid success.


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Louise Cabeen
Date: 11/02/2010