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

  • December 07, 2023
  • 11:30am

Thomas Lauria (BFA ‘15 Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM, Sculpture) is a Philadelphia artist, designer, and fabricator whose creative practice is m...

Lecture Series and Seminars

  • December 07, 2023
  • 11:30am

Thomas Lauria (BFA ‘15 Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM, Sculpture) is a Philadelphia artist, designer, and fabricator whose creative practice is m...

News

  • 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 poetic. “I’...

  • Alumna Shows Pride through Philly's Chinese Lantern Festival

    Journeying from China to Philadelphia to study at Temple nearly 10 years ago, Ellen Zhang, TYL ’17, now gets to showcase the pride she has in her heritage as arts and ...

  • Paolo Mentasti (MFA '23) Showcases Work in Revived Sculpture Straw Gallery

    This year, Sculpture’s Straw Gallery, located at the studio’s entrance, will feature two-week exhibition periods that showcase the work of current MFA students. To kic...

  • Undergraduate
  • BFA in Fibers & Material Studies with Entrepreneurial Studies

    In partnership with the Fox School of Business at Temple, Tyler School of Art and Architecture offers BFA with Entrepreneurial Studies for all BFA major disciplines. The BFA with Entrepreneurial Studies is a 126 credit degree program integrat... More More about BFA in Fibers & Material Studies with Entrepreneurial Studies

  • Graduate
    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