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.

      Branched out in 2012 renting “Farley Hall” Elsah, Il., for One Woman Exhibit, then recently “Joe’s Café Gallery” University City, Mo., focusing on “Retrospective in Weaving”. "Gearing for 2020 exhibit at Good Weather Galley in Edwardville, IL"

     Her work has also been featured in Craft Alliance Center of Arts & Design Gallery annual Faculty show since 1990. Here were she began as Weaving instructor 1989, now is head of Weaving Department. Instructional directive is to enhance student’s technical and creative skills at the loom.

      In 1996 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 US, including Mexico. In 40 years, Denise Mandel - Master Weaver, continues to explore weaving’s endless boundaries thru international classes and travel, such as India, Ukraine, Italy, France and England.