Mary Mortenson (MA '84 Home Economics) has been awarded a Jerome Fiber Artist Project Grant to work with artist, Jean Cacicedo, to refine her techniques and create a cohesive series of new work.

Cacicedo, whose studio is located in Berkeley, CA, works both on and off the body incorporating a special process she developed for wool fabrics. As a nationally known fiber artist, Cacicedo is considered to be one of the prime innovators in the Wearable Art Movement of the 1970s. Mortenson notes that retired department of housing and apparel professor Marian-Ortolf Bagley was her advisor when she was a student at the University and continues to be a mentor figure.

The Fiber Artists Project Grant Program was launched in 2008 to advance the professional development of emerging fiber artists in Minnesota and foster vitality and excellence in the field of fiber art. In response to an open call, emerging fiber artists apply with individually designed project proposals. They receive monetary awards, professional development opportunities, and a culminating exhibition.

The next Jerome Grant recipients' exhibit is scheduled for October 2012.

You can find more information about the Department of Housing and Apparel on their website.