Sherman, Gates present The Flax Project in ‘After Thoughts’ talk Nov. 3
The re-creation of the ancient processing technique of turning flax to linen will be a topic of UW-Green Bay’s next After Thoughts presentation of the 2015-16 season.
UW-Green Bay Associate Professor of Medieval History and Archeology, Heidi Sherman, and Associate Professor of Fiber Arts, Alison Gates, will present “The Flax Project” Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the Grand Foyer of the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts on campus at 2420 Nicolet Drive.
Historian Sherman and textile artist Gates will share their experiences working across academic disciplines and across the ages as they perfect the art and practice of growing a fiber crop and processing the harvest on a college campus. Sherman and Gates, along with an outstanding undergraduate researcher, grew and processed their first successful crop in 2011. Since then, they have planted successful crops each year with a team of new students from History, Art and several other majors. The project grew out of earlier research at UW-Green Bay suggesting linen made from flax was a history-changing development for societies including the ancient Greeks, who used it to construct lightweight, virtually impenetrable battle armor. The Flax Project is funded through grants from the UWGB Research Council, the Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Office of the Provost.
Now in its fifth full season, After Thoughts seeks to connect members of the community with UW-Green Bay. The gatherings showcase talented women among University faculty, staff and alumni, and convene men and women after their workday for learning, enrichment and fun.
After Thoughts begins with a 5 p.m. reception, followed by the presentation by Sherman and Gates beginning at 5:45 p.m. Each After Thoughts event is located in the Grand Foyer of the Weidner Center at UW-Green Bay and is from 5 to 7 p.m. The event begins with time to socialize, network, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres before the featured presentation.
Seating for After Thoughts is limited, so advanced registration is recommended. The cost of each program is $15. To reserve your spot, send a check (payable to UW-Green Bay Foundation) to: UW-Green Bay Foundation, CL 805, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay, WI 54311; or register online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/afterthoughts. Walk-up registration also is an option. For any questions or comments regarding After Thoughts, please contact Mary Rass at rassm@uwgb.edu or (920) 465-2553. You can also find After Thoughts on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/afterthoughts.uwgb. Visit www.uwgb.edu/afterthoughts/ for more information about the series.
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