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The Alexanders’ as educators of art and design at all levels from grade school to the University, have been interested in the human environment, both natural and man-made for many years. The content of their work has reflected this awareness of the sustainable environment and its consequences in the twenty first century.
As their knowledge of handcrafted paper and paper-based products made from non-wood fibers continued to flourish, they wanted to share this interest with others in a meaning full way. The first opportunity came in Jamaica with a grant from the Organization of American States. They eventually established fully operating papermaking centers in both Spanish Town and Kingston. The facilities use only indigenous fibers harvested by the papermakers for the products which are sold to the tourists and local customers.
This success with a cottage industry established entirely for the benefit of unemployed individuals led to opportunities in the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, Cairo, Egypt, and Iraq al Amir, Jordan.
In May
of 2010 the Alexander’s were invited to the small town of Le Vigan, France.
Located in the Cevennes region West of the Rhone, the area was once very
important for the production of silk. In the town of Aulas, a close neighbor
of Le Vigan, a large beautiful building has been restored waiting for
occupants. It once hosted a thriving silk production business. Nearby fields
of morus alba Mulberry trees still stand, The leaves of trees were needed to
feed the silk worms. However, these trees also yield a fiber that can
produce a fine paper.
A group of artists and paper enthusiasts have a vision for a papermaking
center to be located in the building. In May of 2010, Marjorie traveled to
France for a presentation to the city officials about her work establishing
paper centers worldwide. Proposals are in progress for funding an art center
with paper production as the major occupant.
On returning to her studio in Minnesota, Marjorie tested the fibers and
sent paper samples to Le Vigan that can be used in proposals for funding the
project. She will continue to aid in the development of this unique paper
center.
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- Gallery - for sale and exhibit
- Current: Fashion, Schedule
- Paper: paper worldwide, Egypt model
art@maralex.com - Arden Hills, MN