Fibers & Material Studies

Tyler’s Fibers & Material Studies program embraces a bold, interdisciplinary approach to one of the world’s oldest and most accessible traditions: working with fibers.

Students are pushed to refine their aesthetic, collaborate, embrace a broad definition of material exploration and contribute to vital discussions on history, identity, current social issues and more. Through dynamic events and projects such as the annual Wearable Art Show and the Natural Dye Garden, Tyler Fibers & Material Studies students create exciting conversations with artists and students throughout the school, Temple University and Philadelphia, home to a vibrant fibers community and DIY scene.

Facilities

  • State-of-the-art equipment, including a Jacquard Loom TC2, tufting guns, a long arm sewing machine, embroidery machines and more
  • Dedicated Fibers & Material Studies spaces, like a loom room and ultramodern dye lab, to aid exploration of concept and practice
  • A computer lab for screen printing and digital printing, as well as a large-format printer that can print on 46-inch-wide bolts of cloth
  • Studio spaces for students to work independently or collaborate

Queer Materials Lab
Recently launched by Tyler Fibers Program Head, Jesse Harrod—renowned for their manipulation and transformation of materials—the Queer Materials Lab opens up opportunities for students to work with visiting artists and join a broader LGBTQIA+ discourse.

 

Apply Now: Undergraduate First Year 

Apply Now: Undergraduate Transfer  

Apply Now: Graduate  

 

Upcoming Events

  • March 20, 2024
  • 11:00am

Soso Capaldi is a 27-year-old artist with an MFA in Ceramics from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture and a BFA in Drawing and Pain...

  • March 27, 2024
  • 11:00am

Malachi Lily is a black, shapeshifting, agender storyteller, illustrator, and director, born and based in Philadelphia. As an energy wor...

  • April 03, 2024
  • 11:00am

Kai Cho was born in Augusta, GA and now resides in Philadelphia, PA. They earned their AFA from Gaston College in 2018 and their BFA in ...

Lecture Series and Seminars

  • March 20, 2024
  • 11:00am

Soso Capaldi is a 27-year-old artist with an MFA in Ceramics from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture and a BFA in Drawing and Pain...

  • March 27, 2024
  • 11:00am

Malachi Lily is a black, shapeshifting, agender storyteller, illustrator, and director, born and based in Philadelphia. As an energy wor...

  • April 03, 2024
  • 11:00am

Kai Cho was born in Augusta, GA and now resides in Philadelphia, PA. They earned their AFA from Gaston College in 2018 and their BFA in ...

News

  • (re)Focus Festival Convenes Tyler Alumni Panel to Discuss Portraying Women's Bodies

    In March, amid a Philadelphia-wide celebration of women artists, three Tyler alums will reflect on the portrayal of female bodies in art in a panel discussion hosted ...

  • Tyler Graduate Student Wins First Prize in Fiber Art Now Juried Exhibition

    Fibers & Materials Studies graduate student Mika Obayashi received first prize in Excellence in Fibers IX, a juried exhibition by the publication Fiber Art Now. O...

  • Kalila Jones (BFA ’24) Featured in Fiber Art Now

    When Fibers & Material Studies student Kalila Jones (BFA ’24) describes what she loves best about her chosen medium, her response is both practical and poet...

  • Alumni Spotlight

    Erin M. Riley

    erin working at loom

    Erin M. Riley (MFA '09) most recently is the recipient of the 2021 USA Fellowship for her bold artistic vision and significant impact. Each artist who receives a USA Fellowship demonstrates generosity and care toward field-building that continues to inspire and propel their discipline. More