Julia Weaver

Julia has been weaving ever since she can remember; her earliest experience was using a potholder loom given to her by her maternal grandmother. In her late teenage years Julia turned to weaving as a healing tool. It is part of her family history in Germany and Romania. The craft and art literally weaves in and out of her undergraduate work; Julia’s Master of Divinity and doctoral thesis was embodied by a series of woven garments. These days in her home studio, Julia weaves for her family and commissions.

How do you share your work?

Sharing weaving and spinning it out into collaborative community art making is my passion project. Through my chaplaincy at the Dane County Jail we began Jail Tapestry Project. Later a project unfolded: Uptown Sanctuary/weaving hope through collaboration. Women who have experienced the trauma of incarceration are the primary members of the studio. We hold special intentions for those affected by human trafficking and a commitment to being a sustainable studio. In 2024 we will celebrate twenty years of the project.

I also have the privilege of weaving together a blended family with my husband. We have four adult children and thirteen grands. Our goal is to take each grand on a camping trip to the National Park of their desire.

What energizes you as you consider the future of the arts in Wisconsin?

I am over the top excited to be living out my dreams and visions. I feel I am part of a web of artisans across Wisconsin, and beyond. I hope to continue to share weaving to keep the craft alive and to bring it recognition as an art medium as well. I now have been blessed with a second folk art apprentice. Both women continue to teach me as much as I teach them, which gives energy to my work.

Where can we find your work?

You can find Julia’s work on her website: thejweaver.com.