In Memoriam: Nedra Granquist
Longtime guild member, instructor, fiber arts supporter, weaver, and friend Nedra Granquist passed last week after a long battle with cancer. Read her obituary, here.From Judy Larson, leader of the Rag Rug Study Group: With the passing of Nedra Granquist, WGM has lost a gifted weaver, teacher, artist, and friend, but she has left a legacy that will continue for years to come. Her rag rugs, always woven tightly, and showcasing a variety of patterns and techniques, elevated the underappreciated rag rug into true artistry, yet maintained its practicality.
Nedra was always willing to share her knowledge and teach skills to new weavers. Her studio was filled with fabrics and she was always planning her next rugs as she finished her current ones. Recognized as an expert weaver, her rugs were featured at art shows and the MN State Fair, and even made the cover of Handwoven magazine. She always brought something new to show and tell at the Rag Rug study group, and inspired new and seasoned weavers with her talents and expertise.
Whether you saw her at a Guild meeting, a study group, Federation, in her class, or in her studio, she always had a welcoming smile and freely shared her tips to make weavings better. When Nedra realized her time for weaving was ending, she passed her studio stash on to the Rag Rug study group weavers, requesting that they each weave a rug to donate in Nedra’s name to Zoom house. Nedra will be remembered for her caring friendship, her weaving expertise, and for sharing her passion for weaving that she so willingly passed on to so many others. She will be missed, but her legacy will live on.
A memorial service will be held at a future date; to be determined.
You can hear Nedra talk about weaving in this interview from 2016.
