Butte College

Course Outline

2026-2027 Catalog

ART 81 - Introduction to Fiber Arts

Catalog Description

Transfer Status
CSU
Unit(s)
3.00
  • Lecture: 25.50 Contact hours/51.00 Out of class hours/76.50 Total hours/1.50 Unit(s)
  • Lab: 76.50 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/76.50 Total hours/1.50 Unit(s)
  • Total: 102.00 Contact hours/51.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course is an introduction to basic materials, methods and vocabulary used in fiber and textile media as well as the hands-on development of expressive visual ideas. Contemporary and historical development and cultural relevance of the fiber media is also explored.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Identify and work with a variety of fiber techniques which may include, but are not limited to: felt making and papermaking, hand-spinning, warp and weft face weaving techniques, basketry structures as well as a wide variety of non-loom techniques.
  2. Create artwork using a variety of fiber materials derived from animal to plant sources to other alternative materials such a metal wire.
  3. Safely use a variety of tools related to fiber work.
  4. Integrate formal elements and principles into the design and creation of original studio projects using fibers.
  5. Identify cultural traditions and historical varieties of fiber-oriented form, from architectural spaces to smaller objects, both functional and non-functional.
  6. Analyze and critique artwork in oral and written contexts using relevant critique formats, concepts, and terminology.
  7. Examine and describe contemporary trends, materials, and approaches in fiber arts.

Course Content

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lecture topics and suggested hours
TopicsLec Hrs

Orientation and fundamentals

3.00

Fiber materials and alternative materials that may be incorporated into fiber arts

5.50

Design principals and elements

3.00

Cultural traditions and techniques

4.00

Contemporary trends, materials, and approaches to fiber arts

5.00

Analysis and criticism of fiber arts

5.00
Total Hours:25.50

Lab

Lab topics and suggested hours
TopicsLab Hrs

Orientation and fundamentals

3.00

Create original works in fibers based on the concepts, tools, materials and processes presented in class

25.00

Pose, design and solve visual problems through the process of creating works using fiber materials

20.00

Design personal fiber-oriented works with an understanding of the elements and principles of visual language

28.50
Total Hours:76.50

Methods of Instruction

  1. Class Activities
  2. Field Trips
  3. Guest Speakers
  4. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
  5. Lecture

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Portfolios
  3. Oral Presentation
  4. Projects
  5. Homework
  6. Class participation

Examples of Assignments

Reading Assignments

  1. Read the handout on the felting process in preparation for discussion.
  2. Read handout on setting up a loom for weaving in preparation for class demonstration.

Writing Assignments

  1. Write a 1-2 page critique on an assigned fiber artist you have researched, and prepare to discuss your findings in class.
  2. Write a 5-page essay on the elements and principals of design that apply to a three-dimensional work of art on display in the Butte College Art Gallery.

Out-of-Class Assignments

  1. Research Native American textile production and select a traditional form for class presentation.
  2. Thoughtfully gather fiber material in your environment and prepare to explain how this material will be incorporated into your fiber art piece.

Recommended Materials of Instruction

Popovic, V., Ruck, O. (2012). The Textile Artist's Studio Handbook. Quarry Books, 1st. 978-1592537778.

Held, S. (1998). Weaving: A Handbook of the Fiber Arts. Cengage, 3rd. 978-0155015128.

Other Learning Materials

Students may use books, DVDs, and videos available in the ARTS Resource Center. Basic fiber materials will be provided, but students may wish to purchase additional fiber materials.

Minimum Qualifications

Art (Masters Required)

Fashion & Related Technologies