Flax: First Fiber of the Arts

Starting in the Fall of 2022 the two year research theme for the Center for Virtual/Material Studies (CVMS) is "Fabrication: Virtual and Material approaches to Global Textiles." As part of this theme the CVMS is exploring the cultivation of flax, which will be processed into thread which could be made into linen.

On April 22nd join staff from the CVMS as they seed several beds in the Penn State Arboretum trial gardens with flax seed. Check back throughout the summer for events surrounding the harvesting and processing of the flax. To see more about cultivating flax visit the "Growing Flax" page.

In the summer of 2024 Center director Sarah Rich was interviewed by National Geographic about flax and linen see the short video "Linen has been favored for centuries. But what makes it so popular?"

If you are interested in learning more about CVMS email us at VirtualMaterial@psu.edu

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