Tonya D. Lee is an artist, educator, instructional designer, and former color theory subject matter expert. She received an MFA in Painting from University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an MEd from Pennsylvania State University. Join Lee in a conversation about the history of color theory education in the visual arts and explore meaningful connections between machine tufting and the color theory exercises developed by Josef Albers. 

Tuft the World has come a long way since its inception in 2018.  For two years, the operation was staffed by fewer than five people and operated out of the home (and basement) of founders and owners, Tim Eads and Tiernan Alexander. Today, Tuft the World–known worldwide for both its reliable tufting products and customer support–occupies more than 9,000 square feet of warehouse space in West Philadelphia, as well as 1,800 square feet in the Bok Building which will be home to our new School of Fiber Art and Textiles, and has a full time staff of over 20. Importantly, this growth has been done with the ethos of people, community, and the health of our planet over profit at the front of mind. Join Tim and Tiernan as they share the story of Tuft the World, and what’s on the horizon for our team.

Join Alexander on a visual tour of the history of rug making. We’ll look at the technologies and techniques used to create cozy floor coverings throughout history and at some of the individuals who invented and perfected the tufting process. From used stockings to woven candle wicks, teenage entrepreneurs to technological tinkerers, Tiernan will spin a tale of how we progressed from woven reeds to wall to wall shag carpet. Come for the stories, stay for the historic eye candy.

The possibilities and applications of rug tufting are endless!  We’re thrilled to be hosting exciting guests who know this well; join Trish Andersen (of Trish Andersen Studio in Savannah GA) and AJ Peterson (of Magic Carpets in Los Angeles, CA), two artists and independent business owners who have recently created and launched successful businesses based on their rug tufting studio practices.  For this panel they’ll be joining Tuft the World’s Tim Eads and the group will go on a deep dive into their journeys, including accomplishments, lessons learned, and advice for budding entrepreneurs.  Following the discussion, there will be an open Q&A session.