An artist is shaking up the world of fiber art — one funky tufted piece at a time | Oregon Art Beat

Portland artist Melissa Monroe didn’t grow up going to museums, or even know that being an “artist” was a job. But when she saw someone painting a mural in a coffee shop she asked herself — people do this for a living? Monroe works with foam, wood, and tufting machines that punch yarn through fabric with air-powered speed to create funky, emotionally textured masks, large rugs and sculptural furniture. Monroe’s materials have evolved, but her original instinct remains: to process, to express, to play. “I want to make people laugh — but I also want to connect with them on a deeper level,” she said. “If I can make them laugh and cry — that’s the ultimate goal.” Learn more https://www.opb.org/article/2025/10/0... Chapters: 00:05 Tufting demonstration 01:05 Completed tufted work 03:10 Demonstrations of completed masks work 04:30 Discussion of her process, where she finds inspiration 05:10 Melissa Monroe drawing 05:40 Detailing demo of tufting gun 07:10 Melissa's backstory and journey to becoming an artist 08:35 Melisa Monroe reflecting on her current work --- Oregon Public Broadcasting aims to elevate and amplify the community, connect Oregon and its neighbors, and illuminate a wider world through stories. OPB Every Day. OPB Everywhere. One way to support OPB and the work of public media is to subscribe to our channel for new OPB videos every month: https://www.youtube.com/opb?sub_confi... Member support makes all the videos on the OPB YouTube channel possible, and everything else you love. Ensure the next important story is covered and join in as a Sustainer now at https://give.opb.org/opb/?s=OAMEGNS22... #OregonArtBeat #Artspotlight #TextileArtist #FiberArt #ContemporaryCraft #WomenInArt #tufting # MelissaMonroe #PortlandArtist #OPB #Oregon #PacificNorthWest #pbsforthearts ‪@melissamonroe‬