Photos: Lao Textiles Founder Carol Cassidy Returns With Vibrant New Scarves, Hangings for Spring
The vibrant textiles of Laos help usher in the spring season at AsiaStore in early April, when Lao Textiles founder Carol Cassidy returns for a display of her latest silk scarves, wall hangings, and other pieces.
Cassidy will make in-person appearances at AsiaStore on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5 from 12:00 to 3:30 pm to discuss her work and sign copies of the book Weaving Tradition: Carol Cassidy and Woven Silks of Laos.
A weaver since from the age of 17, Cassidy traveled to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, as a textile expert employed by the United Nations in 1989. In 1990, the government of Laos granted her the license to launch Lao Textiles, thereby making her the first American to run a business in the communist country. Cassidy founded the company for the express purpose of revitalizing the Laotian textile sector; today, Lao Textiles is comprised of more than 40 artisans who apply a contemporary sensibility to traditional techniques.
AsiaStore is located inside Asia Society at 725 Park Avenue in New York City. Store hours are 11:00 am to 6:00 pm daily and admission is free.
Shop AsiaStore for Carol Cassidy and Lao Textiles
Video: Carol Cassidy on the creativity behind Laotian weaving techniques (7 min., 1 sec.)