Experimental Weaving with Marianne
Explore imaginative weaving with textile artist Marianne in Zutphen, a beautifully preserved medieval city just 1.5 hours from Amsterdam. In her light-filled studio overlooking the IJssel River, experiment with different weave structures and unconventional materials like horsehair and coarse organic fibers as you build artistic confidence across two looms. Beyond the studio, wander quiet forests and experience the slow, thoughtful rhythm of Dutch countryside life.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1620
- Additional guest(s) (max 3)
- USD $750
Meet the Artist
Marianne is a Dutch textile artist whose weavings with unusual fibers like horsehair transform traditional textile techniques into ethereal, poetic expression. For 25 years, she has experimented with textures, loom weaving and natural fibers. A trained fashion designer, her path shifted in art school after taking a weaving course. This turning point catalyzed a deeper purpose in her work—“to bind, to cover, or to divide,” a phrase that became her mantra and guides her exploration of materials.
Her fascination with horsehair—a strong, flexible, and somewhat unruly natural material—became central to her practice. Marianne specializes in weaving with horsehair, coarse plant fibers, and paper, often combining them with silk, cotton, or wool to create sculptural pieces, wall hangings, lighting, and artistic objects. Her ability to manipulate the tension, texture, and rhythm of horsehair defines her experimental approach, resulting in compositions that are both structured and organic. Each piece radiates playful energy, built with intention and a deep sensitivity to the material itself.
For Marianne, weaving is a sensory experience. She seeks to evoke inner stillness through repetition of color and pattern, engaging the senses and tactile instincts. Surrounded by calm in her fiber-filled studio, she’s excited to help you unlock your own voice and curiosity through weaving.
Her fascination with horsehair—a strong, flexible, and somewhat unruly natural material—became central to her practice. Marianne specializes in weaving with horsehair, coarse plant fibers, and paper, often combining them with silk, cotton, or wool to create sculptural pieces, wall hangings, lighting, and artistic objects. Her ability to manipulate the tension, texture, and rhythm of horsehair defines her experimental approach, resulting in compositions that are both structured and organic. Each piece radiates playful energy, built with intention and a deep sensitivity to the material itself.
For Marianne, weaving is a sensory experience. She seeks to evoke inner stillness through repetition of color and pattern, engaging the senses and tactile instincts. Surrounded by calm in her fiber-filled studio, she’s excited to help you unlock your own voice and curiosity through weaving.
VAWAA Includes:
- Experiment with different weave structures using plant fibers, yarns, and horsehair to explore their textures and expressive potential.
- Learn weaving techniques on two types of looms, using a range of threads and yarns.
- Explore the full creative process—from initial idea to finished piece—playing with composition, color, and texture through collage.
- Get an introduction to experimental weaving using horsehair and coarse plant fibers.
- Sample a curated selection of horsehair and natural fibers to create a small personal art piece using these materials (additional materials for larger works available for a fee).
- Enjoy a gentle forest walk to connect with the natural environment that inspires Marianne's work.
- Tour the medieval city of Zutphen, including a visit to the local museum.
- Share lunch and conversation with other local artists in Marianne’s creative community.
Explore Zutphen
Marianne’s studio is located in Zutphen, a small city just 1.5 hours from Amsterdam, offering a slower pace of life that nurtures reflection and inspiration—full of winding streets, brick facades, and centuries-old towers. Her light-filled studio sits beside the IJssel River, which flows gently behind the building and infuses the space with a calming presence.
The studio itself is part of a vibrant building shared with other artists and makers, including a felt artist, glassblower, and paper artist, creating an atmosphere of ongoing exchange and inspiration. Beyond the studio walls, the area offers forest trails, old estates, castles, and small museums, all contributing to a slower pace of life that encourages reflection. Zutphen is also known for its independent bookstores, weekly markets, and strong culture of sustainability and slow living—making it an ideal setting for artistic exploration and meaningful connection with materials, place, and self.
The studio itself is part of a vibrant building shared with other artists and makers, including a felt artist, glassblower, and paper artist, creating an atmosphere of ongoing exchange and inspiration. Beyond the studio walls, the area offers forest trails, old estates, castles, and small museums, all contributing to a slower pace of life that encourages reflection. Zutphen is also known for its independent bookstores, weekly markets, and strong culture of sustainability and slow living—making it an ideal setting for artistic exploration and meaningful connection with materials, place, and self.
Additional Details
The best times to visit Zutphen are in spring (April–June) or early autumn (September-October), when the weather is mild and the countryside is lush and walkable. It’s best to avoid the summer months (July–August), when tourist crowds increase and many locals go on holiday.
This session is not available for longer durations.
Adults 18 and older, including those with accessibility needs and wheelchair users, are welcome to participate.
Marianne speaks English and Dutch.
This session is not available for longer durations.
Adults 18 and older, including those with accessibility needs and wheelchair users, are welcome to participate.
Marianne speaks English and Dutch.