Niki Havekost

Get Felt Up: Stitching Soft Sculpture

July 26 - 31, 2026

Open to All Skill Levels

Fibers, Sculpture, Mixed Media

Overview

Embark on a creative journey into the world of soft sculpture, where students will transform textiles and personal materials into expressive three-dimensional forms. This workshop begins by exploring simple hand-sewing techniques as a unique system for mark-making with needle and thread. Students will learn foundational sculptural processes, including uncomplicated armature building, as well as additive and subtractive methods to create a form. As the sculpture takes shape, students will then learn how to organically drape, piece, and stitch fabrics to build volume and detail. This workshop also covers a variety of fabric manipulation techniques, such as appliqué, patchwork, and other additive embellishments. Students are encouraged to bring a variety of fabrics, repurposed soft materials, and ephemera with personal meaning to incorporate into their work. By the end of this workshop, students will have created one or two sculptural pieces and will have a strong foundation for continuing their exploration of soft sculpture. Students of all skill levels welcome.

Course Fee : $760.00

Scholarships & Material Fees

Need help covering workshop costs? Arrowmont offers financial aid opportunities to broaden access to our arts and craft programs. We believe a diverse community enriches the learning experience for all.

Material fees are not included in our national workshop costs, but are included with the cost of our winter short workshops. A material list with estimated costs will be emailed about 30 days before the national workshop begins.

TUITION & FEES

SCHOLARSHIPS

Cost Breakdown

Registration Fee

$50.00

One Week Workshop Tuition

$760.00

Estimated Cost*
*Fees exclude housing and meal plans

$810.00

VIEW HOUSING & MEAL PLAN COSTS

Artist Bio

Niki Havekost

Niki Havekost is an artist living and working in Rochester, Minnesota. Her own work is varied in media and technique but linked by her interest in material and process. Nicole is a 2025 Center for Craft Teaching Artist Grant recipient and a three-time Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant recipient. She is a former national member of the A.I.R. Gallery in Brooklyn, New York and is currently represented by Dreamsong in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has been an artist in residence at the Vermont Studio Center and the McColl Center and exhibited both nationally and internationally. Nicole earned her BFA at the Rhode Island School of Design and her MFA from the University of New Mexico.

Artist Website

Explore the Metals Studio

With views that overlook our wood hillside, the Metal Studio is located in our main Turner Building. Central aisles of dedicated workbenches, with a bank of windows on one side and vented multi-use tables for casting, soldering, and finishing on the other. This vaulted studio is a jeweler’s favorite. Ideal for smaller metal work of all kinds, the long narrow space includes hammer and machine rooms, outdoor covered porch for larger fabrication, and a shared kiln room with the Glass Studio.

Explore the Metals Studio