DeniseMarieMandel
Weaver/Artist
www.denisemmandel.com

        Upon receiving BFA at Kansas City Art Institute in 1983, Denise pilgrimage and explored Santa Fe, New Mexico. There she became assistant weaver to Alice Parrott Inc. on Canyon Rd. While residing in New Mex. from1984-88 she owned and operated “Original Woven Designs” garment business, distributing to costumers in California, Texas and New York. 1988 moved back to place of birth St. Louis, Mo.

      Began Home/Studio operation with a loom for every room. They range from Counter-Marche, Counter-Balance, Jack, Table, Rigid Heddle, Navajo-Style, and Frame looms. 2004-2010 held tri-annual solo shows in Spanish Lake, Mo.

      Starting in 2012, Denise has held a "One-Woman" weaving exhibition every four years at different venues and galleries across the St. Louis region. 

     Her work has also been featured in Craft Alliance Gallery annual Faculty show since 1990. Craft Alliance is where she began as Weaving instructor in 1989 and became  head of Weaving Department. Here is where she developed her instructional directive to enhance a student’s technical and creative skills at the loom. Recently she's chosen a new path in offering private lessons and pop-up workshops. You will occasionally find her appearing at Yarncom Stl. 

      In 1996, she produced instruction video “Creating a Weaving Canvas”. During the 90’s St. Louis Cathedral Basilica commissioned Mandel for five Seasonal Tapestries that hung in the Sanctuary. Final commission was Pope John Paul II “Papal Coat of Arms” tapestry 1998-99, installed during Ecumenical visit to St. Louis, by their Archdiocese. Tapestry permanently incased as Papal Memorial for visitors to view at Basilica. “Weaving for Worship” book featured Easter Tapestry on front cover with follow up story.

More photos of Papal Tapestry can be found in “Pope John Paul II”- pastoral visit to St. Louis book. Lector, juror, demonstrator, and curator can be included to Mandel’s repertoire.

     Works are in private and public collections throughout the US, including Mexico. In 50 years, Denise Mandel - Master Weaver, continues to explore weaving’s endless boundaries thru classes and travel, such as India, Ukraine, Italy, France and England.