Artisan Partners
MOROCCO COLLECTION
Moroccan Weaving Collectives
Our rugs are purchased directly from the Moroccan women who created them. We eliminate the middlemen in order to pay living wages to the artisan to better support herself and her family. The traditional Moroccan rug styles offered here include Beni Ourain—deep pile knot rugs from the Middle Atlas Mountains; Hanbel—flatweave rugs from Northern Morocco and the desert region near Ouarzazate; and Taznakht—brightly colored rugs from the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Leather Manufacturer, Marrakech, Morocco
Jamal is a third generation leather manufacturer from Marrakech, Morocco. Jamal and his family created these poufs using Moroccan goat leather that has been processed using centuries-old methods at the Marrakech tannery. His family employs dozens of artisans who stitch the poufs together using traditional Moroccan designs and methods.
Bougueddach Collective, Fez, Morocco
Deep in the Fez medina, there lies a quarter filled with groups of weavers who create much of the colorful Moroccan fabric that can be found in Fez and beyond. One of the largest, and most successful of these groups is the Bougueddach Collective founded in 2009. At any time of day, the collective's workshop is filled with tourists eager to nab the next scarf and blanket right as it comes off the horizontal loom.
NORWAY COLLECTION
Røros Tweed Collection, Røros, Norway
Røros Tweed has been weaving high quality wool products since 1940. With selected wool from Norwegian sheep and 100% Norwegian production, and collaboration with Scandinavia’s top designers and textile artists, Røros Tweed has become one of the most renowned wholly Norwegian quality brands. In the 17th century mining town of Røros, the vast majority of the people of Røros were poor. When Peder Hiort, the childless director of the copper mine there, died in 1789, he bequeathed his fortune to a foundation that was set up to provide an education in textile production to the poor citizens of Røros, along with the necessary raw materials, and made them apprentice textile workers. Peder Hiort’s legacy created a tradition for handicraft and textile production upon which Røros Tweed was founded.
Holmedal Farms, Holmedal, Norway
Peder Johann has been raising sheep in Holmedal, Norway since he was 15 years old. His sheep are bred for their long, thick, soft hair. Peder Johann follows the centuries-old tradition of herding his sheep up the mountain to the high pastures in the summer months where the grass is fresh and plentiful. He employs ethical and sustainable practices on his sheep farm in Holmedal.
PERU COLLECTION
Pais Textil, Lima, Peru
Pais Textil was founded in 2016 by Marta and Sandra Castañeda with the aim to help commercialize—nationally and internationally—pieces woven by Peruvian artisans. This diverse group of weavers is inspired by the ancient textile tradition of Peru; one that was, and still is, alive in the hands of thousands of men and women.
They believe in the unique value of a handmade piece – in the quality that can only be achieved in small batches, as opposed to mass production. They believe in the conservation of traditional textile techniques. They believe in empowering women, as more than 95% of their team are women.
By purchasing these works, you support the weavers of Pais Textil by providing them with good jobs and a better quality of life for their families. You also help preserve ancient textile weaving techniques, such as the use of the backstrap loom, which has been used in Peru for more than 3,000 years.
U.S. COLLECTION
Edward Wohl, Ridgeway, Wisconsin
For more than 40 years, Edward has designed and built exquisite custom furniture from select woods. His work is known for its masterful design, seamless joinery and liquid-smooth finish. Edward’s signature line of bird’s-eye maple cutting boards is available internationally through high-end galleries and specialty shops. With his family, Edward has made his home and workplace among the pastoral hills and valleys of southwestern Wisconsin.
Robert Bowman Pottery, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minnesota potter Robert Bowman has taught ceramics classes at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts since 1997, co-managing the studio for several of those years. He also curates and designs exhibitions as the Center's Exhibits Director and Retail Manager. Robert's work has been shown at Northern Clay Center, The Phipps, Edina Art Center, Bloomington Center for the Arts, various art fairs and the Minnetonka Center for the Arts.
Alyssa Kunau, St. Paul, Minnesota
Minnesota artist Alyssa Kunau was inspired to carve by the work of her grandfather. She handcrafted her cheese spreaders using sustainably sourced, dry-aged, urban foraged wood.
Every purchase supports the advancement
of our artisan partners.