Bootmaker and Artist Sarah Madeleine T. Guerin presents her work as an artisanal Keeper of Tradition in Massachusetts and a working artist. With a thorough knowledge of traditional Western bootmaking, Sarah researches and analyses the connections between evolving methods of footwear making craft of the 1800s in Massachusetts – with an architectural focus on vernacular Ten Footer Shoe Shops – to the stability of a contemporary art practice heavily based in handmade footwear techniques and skills. Sarah holds degrees in Fine Arts and Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, was certified in Footwear at Cordwainers College – London College of Fashion, apprenticed with Colorado bootmaker Jim Covington, founded the bootmaking studio Saboteuse, and is a mentor artist in the Mass Cultural Council Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program. Q & A to follow presentation.

Registration is free. REGISTER HERE.

A bi-cultural artisan, Sarah builds Western boots by hand with the passion of her New England work-ethic and her French design sensibilities. A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design’s architecture and Cordwainers College’s Intensive Summer Footwear programs, Sarah’s design skills were complimented by years of training in a variety of hands-on workshops culminating in a one-on-one Western bootmaking apprenticeship. She established the atelier Saboteuse in 2015. Driven by creative process, Sarah intentionally combines bootmaking, artmaking, historical research, and public engagement to better understand relationships between knowledge and quality. Steeped in tradition, her work illustrates meticulous craftsmanship and the unique, thoughtful creativity that makes Saboteuse boots stand apart. Through her provocative bootmaking practice Sarah shares her journey with an uncurated public. With every stitch and decision Sarah slowly builds beautiful handmade boots that unravel a good story – her clients become a collaborative influence in this traditional American craft.

Questions? Be in touch with Caroline Littlewood: commons@masshistoryalliance.org