Join Alexandria (Allie) Zupan Marguccio as she unravels the intricate threads of history, artistry, and culture that weave together the compelling story of Slovenian Idrija Lace. This exquisite bobbin tape lace, originating from the Idrija region in Western Slovenia, serves as the centerpiece of this enlightening presentation. Together, we'll delve into the depths of this craft, exploring its history, intricate techniques, cultural significance, and enduring evolution.
Discover the deep roots of Idrija Lace, a tradition steeped in history and passed down through countless generations. Distinguished by its utilization of bobbins—specifically shaped wooden sticks that intricately weave lace-making threads—this craft stands out among other lace-making methods. Uncover the origins and evolution of this cherished art form, traditionally nurtured within families and communities, serving as a means of making a living.
Beyond its creative expression, delve into the economic impact of Idrija Lace on the region and its profound historical beginnings. Witness how this art form and the lace school where it is taught has evolved over time while maintaining its cultural significance. Learn about the pivotal position Idrija Lace holds in contemporary times, showcasing not only its artistic brilliance and presence in the European fashion industry, but also its economic and cultural contributions to the region and beyond.
Free and optional registration: This event is free and open to all. Registration is not required, but attendees are encouraged to register for the event to receive a reminder email prior to the online event containing the links to tune in to the recorded event as well as how to access other relevant materials after the event takes place.
Register Here: https://cleveland-kurentovanje.ticketleap.com/art-of-slovenian-lace/
Online Livestream Viewing: This is a pre-recorded virtual presentation with a live Q&A session at the conclusion. This presentation will be streamed live via the Cleveland Kurentovanje website, Facebook page and YouTube channel. Links will be provided closer to the event date.
About Alexandria (Allie) Zupan Marguccio:
The great-granddaughter of a Slovene bobbin lacemaker, Allie’s passion is evidenced by her continued study and research of the lace of her heritage. Idrija bobbin lace has long been a favorite and treasured gift when sent by her Slovene relatives. With the help of her European cousins, she obtained the traditional materials used to make Idrija Lace so that she can carry on the tradition in the USA. In 2008, she was awarded a grant by the Pennsylvania Counsel on the Arts to study traditional bobbin lacemaking techniques in Slovenia under the tutelage of Metka Fortuna and Master Teacher, Stana Frelih of the Idrija Lace School in Idrija, Slovenia. In the past several years she has begun designing her own lace patterns in the Idrija lace narrow tape technique.
Allie teaches private classes in her home in West-Central (Indiana County) Pennsylvania where she lives, regional workshops throughout the United States, Zoom (virtual) classes privately and with the Lace Museum in the Silicon Valley of California, the Winter Lace Conference in Costa Mesa, CA and at the yearly conference of the International Organization of Lace. Her work has been exhibited at The Bottles Works Ethnic Arts Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and in 2010 was named Bottle Artist for the annual Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center fundraiser. She has also exhibited her lace at St. Francis (Loretto, PA) University Library and at the Governor’s Mansion in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Allie has been a guest speaker at many lace events where she talks about her journey into bobbin lacemaking and how she is committed to carrying on a family tradition of making handmade bobbin lace that began in what is now the country of Slovenia. She has contributed articles to the International Organization of Lace’s Bulletin and has been featured in several local newspapers. Allie is one of four folk artists featured in the 2018 PBS documentary titled, “Pennsylvania Traditions: Woven Together”. Her video, “The Basics of Idrija Lace Technique” filmed and produced by John and Kathy Hensel (California) was launched in Oct of 2020. She is a member of the Five River’s Bobbin Lacemakers, International Organization of Lace, Inc. (IOLI) and the European Bobbin and Needle Lace Organization (OIDFA).
Allie shares a website (www.designsbymarguccio.com) with her husband Tom, a carpenter and cabinetmaker who also makes Idrija pillows, stands, bobbins and sells Idrija thread, lace pattern books imported from Slovenia and her video tutorial.