Sheep, yaks, goats, alpacas, llamas and even baby bison — those are just some of the critters that produce the fiber that will be on display at this year’s Taos Wool Festival, Oct. 6-7 in Taos, N.M. But you don’t have to wait until October to get your hands on some fine fiber art.

“The tightly knit town of Taos will be the common thread for many fiber artists and those who love fiber arts at the first-ever Taos Fiber Marketplace, scheduled for April 20-22,” says Erica Asmus-Otero, of Griffin & Associates. You’ll find a plethora of fiber artists, including weavers, spinners, knitters and crocheters, as well as artists who create fine wearable clothing and accessories.

“For anyone who has ever owned a ‘blankie’ as a child, the idea of being shrouded by a handmade blanket evokes a nurturing sense of warmth and comfort,” said Fiber Marketplace founder Julie Silvian. “Similarly, Taos conjures feelings of warmth and comfort for the many that visit and live here. Through the Fiber Marketplace, we are creating a fiber gathering place that encourages learning and creativity in all the fiber arts forms by bringing together artisans, vendors and customers into an environment that stimulates and excites.”

With its traditional architectural style, the natural beauty of its open landscape, and its incredibly clear-blue New Mexico skies, Taos offers its visitors a defining cultural journey through its food, music, art and history. Recently named one of “America’s Prettiest Towns” by Forbes magazine, Taos also has more weaving studios, knitting groups and fiber artists compared with other towns and cities in the state.

Classes and workshops will be held by the surrounding studios and yarn shops before and after the Taos Fiber Marketplace. In addition to free demos and clinics, fiber arts tours will be available for those who are interested in a hands-on tour of fiber arts studios. During the Fiber Marketplace, fiber arts will be juried, and booths are still available. Download a vendor application from www.taosfibermarketplace.com.

IF YOU GO

The Taos Fiber Marketplace is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 20 and 21, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 22 at the Taos Convention Center, located near the historic downtown plaza. Find a detailed schedule at www.taosfibermarketplace.com.

For vendor or sponsorship information, email Julie Silvian at Taosfibermarketplace@gmail.com or call 1-360-981-5509.

Get details about lodging and dining options, as well as Taos walking, driving and gallery tours, by visiting www.taos.org, or by calling 1-877-587-9007.

JOY HARPER, THE GAZETTE

Chris Paladio of Diamond Interior Designs in Colorado Springs sands the floor of the grand ballroom at the Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel recently. Photo by CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE

Christian murdock