Laurie Gano learned to weave tapestry in 1973-1974 at the Instituto
Allende in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico. This was the era of 3
dimensional weaving, incorporating sticks, rocks, and shells into highly
textural wall hangings. She wanted to learn traditional tapestry, so she
persuaded a reluctant Mexican master weaver, Porfirio Lopez, to teach her.
He was employed by the school to keep the looms repaired and warped for the
mostly American, non-Spanish speaking students. Although she did speak
Spanish, he taught her almost completely non-verbally. When Porfirio left,
his brother Julio took over his job and continued to teach Laurie and a few
other students. At that time, Mexican weavers were exclusively male, so she
was not expected to achieve much in a technique that dated back to the
Spanish Colonial 1500's. She has continued in tapestry for over 35 years,
teaching herself to create realistic landscapes
    Laurie’s first tapestries were geometric designs.. She spent several
years weaving for Ortega’s Weaving Shop in Chimayo, New Mexico. This was
excellent practice for her expansion into animal and bird designs. Finally,
in 1979, she began weaving simple landscapes. Landscape is particularly
suited to tapestry. Layers of weaving resemble geological layers. The
textures of yarn and the method of blending colors add richness to the
scenes. The illusion of depth is a striking feature of attention to color
gradations and gradual shifting from detail in the foreground to smooth
distance. The warmth of tapestry is something not available to painters.
    Starting in the 70's until now, Laurie has shown her work in many
galleries in the US, Canada, and Europe. She has had 1 man shows and many
group shows . She has work in corporate collections as well as several
large-scale commissions in public buildings.Her creations number in the
hundreds. Her love of tapestry has not faded over the years. Her realism and
attention to detail are unique in her field.

Laurie Gano Biography