More than a year ago, a vision took shape in Kainbach near Graz (Austria): to create a Felt Art Trail (Filzkunst-Wanderweg) that would weave together art, community, and nature. Today, the trail continues to welcome visitors from near and far, lined with artworks that remind us of the beauty of felt and the importance of caring for our planet.
The trail began with two key strands:
– An outdoor exhibition of felt art – displaying the works of several feltmakers along the walking route, transforming the landscape into a gallery under the open sky.
– A global community project – inviting members around the world to create bunting and flags. With the support of then International Officer Ariane Mariane, two online social meetings were held where ideas, designs, and stories were exchanged before the flags began their journey to Austria.
Last year, IFA member Silke Koch shared her experience of visiting the trail soon after its opening: https://www.feltmakers.com/the-international-felt-art-trail-in-kainbach-near-graz-a/ Her post captured the joy of walking among the artworks and seeing how the path itself had become a living celebration of felt.
This winter, organiser and IFA member Michi shared her reflections on the trail’s progress:
“Unfortunately, we only had snow once, but we did have beautiful hoarfrost. Maintaining our trail is very time-consuming – I completely underestimated that. Luckily, my husband helps me a lot, and we’ve spent a lot of time in the forest doing repairs over the past few months. What’s also really nice are the encounters with our visitors – everyone is still totally enthusiastic about the project and the works of art! And many are amazed because they didn’t know you could do so much with wool! We’ve definitely achieved our goal, and I would be thrilled if more felt art trails were created in other parts of the world!”
The trail continues to grow, with new submissions arriving from felt artists. Michi and the team are now working to secure further funding so that each new artist can receive a plaque and be featured on the trail’s website: https://www.filzkunst-wanderweg.at/gallerie . Along the way, unexpected joys appear too: “By the way, geocachers also hid a treasure along our path….”
One of the challenges of an outdoor felt exhibition is watching how wool changes in the open air:
“As far as the decay of the works goes, most of them are still in good condition. However, some have already lost a bit of their colour, others have small holes. We’ll probably have to create our ‘wool graveyard’ soon. What’s really, really hard for me is deciding when it’s time to say goodbye to a work.”
And yet, even the gradual fading of the works tells a beautiful story about nature’s cycles:
“When we were in the forest last week, I saw birds collecting wool from one of the works. I then happened to spot some of it high up in the trees. I’m sending you this photo especially – it’s a hidden object puzzle… But if things continue like this, we’ll soon have colourful bird nests in Kainbach – how beautiful!!!”
Michi’s words highlight the living, changing nature of the Felt Art Trail: an exhibition that grows, weathers, fades, and renews itself in harmony with the landscape. At the same time, it sparks wonder in visitors who discover just how much can be done with wool.
Together with Silke’s reflections, Michi’s updates remind us that the Filzkunst-Wanderweg is more than a path lined with artworks. It is a journey of:
Connection with the earth – through wool that is both creative and biodegradable.
Connection with ourselves – through the mindful act of making.
Connection with each other – through the collaboration of artists and community worldwide.
Wherever we are in the world, let us keep walking, making, and caring—with felt guiding our steps.
To see the images, please open the document.
To read Silke’s Blog – The International Felt Art Trail in Kainbach near Graz (A) go to https://www.feltmakers.com/the-international-felt-art-trail-in-kainbach-near-graz-a/
To learn about participating artists, visit the website of the trail go to https://www.filzkunst-wanderweg.at/stationen
Photo credit – Michaela Kunzfeld.
Article by Nadja [Nadia] Rein - Publicity Officer