People
Staff
Heather Kohlmeier, Co-Founder and Artistic Director
Heather Kohlmeier is an artist, curator, educator, and creative problem solver based in Madison, Wisconsin. She earned her MFA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Human Ecology, with a focus in papermaking and material-driven practice. Her work explores the interplay of light, material, process, and the space between functional and sculptural forms. In addition to her studio practice, Heather is passionate about supporting community-centered arts education and creative programming, as well as supporting artists at every stage of their making by creating opportunities to exhibit work, build connections, and engage with community through the arts. Outside the studio, she is raising a curious toddler and trying to keep her coffee warm.
Elizabeth Tucker, Co-Founder and Executive Director
Elizabeth Tucker has a background in nonprofit and arts administration, having worked in professional and board roles to advance organizations through fund development, grant writing, communications, and strategic planning. She has a BFA in Art History from the University of Kansas, and an MA in Art History from UW-Madison. She is also a lifelong lover of fabrics and fibers, and as a maker, focuses primarily on quilting, embroidery, and other machine and hand stitching. Elizabeth has called Madison home for more than 20 years, and values being active in the community with her husband and two kids.
Caedran Yeidel, Program Assistant
Caedran is a Junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a new resident of the area. Hailing from Austin, Texas, he has enjoyed learning various forms of fiber crafts since childhood including cross stitch, latch hook, felting, and sewing. Textile art has a special place in his heart, and he is excited to support TAC's mission and grow new roots in the local creative community.
Kaitlin Esche-Lyon, Mini Shop Manager
Kaitlin is a quilter and textile artist known for her vibrant designs and innovative approach to the art of quilting. She has a BS in Architecture with a minor in Studio Arts from Norwich University and an MS in Sustainable Systems Engineering from UW Madison. She taught herself how to quilt in 2020 and discovered her love for the artform. Since then she has exhibited and sold her work throughout Wisconsin. Passionate about sharing her craft, she also teaches workshops at TAC for quilters and sewists of all skill levels, fostering creativity and community.
Kelsey Vickman, Education Program Coordinator
Kelsey Vickman is a recent alumni of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BS in Textile & Fashion Design. A lifelong artist, she now channels her creativity into the textile arts – particularly on weaving, pattern development, dyeing, and textile design. She thrives in collaborative spaces where creativity meets community, and is excited to contribute to her local fiber arts community through her work with TAC.
Maryam Yusuf, Program Assistant
Maryam is a Nigerian American, who is studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is majoring in Fine Arts with a certificate in entrepreneurship. She primarily works in Oil paint and photography, but she is always open to exploring other mediums. While not having much experience with textiles, Maryam was drawn to TAC because of their clear mission to create community through Art. She believes community is essential in creating a sense of belonging in the art world. TAC is a space to learn, grow, and connect through shared admiration for the arts.
Mo Oberman, Volunteer and Event Manager
Mo is a lifetime crafter with a background in food justice, permaculture and dance. After graduating from The New School in 2018 with BA in sociology and gender studies, they traveled and worked on various land projects exploring different food systems. In 2020, they co-created a queer housing project on 36 acres in Bisbee, AZ, where they joined the Bisbee Fiber Arts Guild and fell in love with weaving rag rugs. Intersecting their love for sustainable practices and art, their fiber art passions include weaving tapestries with natural fibers/organic matter, casual knitting and the occasional visible mending. They are thrilled to be a part of the textile art community here in their hometown of Madison.
Wynn Kenrich, Administrative Assistant
Wynn is an artist with a dedication to craft and its material processes. They hold a BA in Visual Art from Bennington College with a focus in ceramics and painting. After graduating in 2020, they moved to Madison and started working at a local woolen mill that specialized in custom carding and spinning services. This work invigorated their interest in textiles, the processes that go into making usable fiber, and the inherent way craft builds community. Wynn is excited to have the opportunity at TAC to both apply their background in arts administration to the organization and learn from the local fiber arts community to further develop their own textile practices.
Board of Directors
Bill Kunkler
Kim Linsenmayer
Anne Moore
John Myer
Sarah Pozdell
Ward Tucker
Abigail Wuest