📰Scene Feature | Exploring Global Textiles: Cultural Footprints at PLU

The event was made possible by the Helen Marvik Gorenson Fund and in partnership with PLU’s Wang Center for Global Education. “Cultural engagement, through traditions, arts, and languages, is essential for preserving practices that risk being lost,” said Linda Caspersen, SCC Council member and Cultural Footprints lead. Cultural Footprints highlighted the interconnectedness of global traditions, featuring artists from Oaxaca, Mexico: Mireya Jimenez Lopez and Julissa Vasquez Jimenez. They shared their family’s five generations of expertise in weaving and natural dyeing techniques, methods that resonate with both the center’s collection and Native American weaving traditions.

The Cultural Footprints celebration truly came alive with a range of engaging activities, starting with a special banquet on April 9th. This vibrant evening showcased a fusion of Norwegian and Mexican cuisine, paying homage to both cultures. Attendees were encouraged to wear traditional clothing from various countries, creating a spectacular display with over 20 nations represented. The night began with a parade of flags, a powerful visual introduction to the diverse cultural tapestry on display. Following this, guest artists Mireya and Julissa from Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, shared a detailed presentation, sharing insights into their traditional craft, from yarn creation to the use of natural dyes that bring their vibrant textile art to life.

Linda Caspersen was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for over three decades of dedicated volunteer work, preserving, managing, and displaying the SCC collection for both the university and the public. It was a beautiful opening night for the next two days of the event. The SCC then hosted students and campus partners on Thursday with interactive demonstrations. Cultural Footprints culminated on the final day with a public workshop. Attendees of all ages, from young to old, participated and learned through hands-on activities that took place in the center of the Cultural Footprints SCC exhibit. The emphasis was on how “differences turn into similarities” through the universal language of textiles and weavings. Mireya and Julissa guided participants through the steps of their weaving process, from spinning the yarn to dyeing. The event even offered a glimpse into Norwegian weaving techniques on the loom from the SCC Collection, truly showcasing the rich tapestry of global textile traditions.