Denise Ann Richter Youth Fiber Art Fund

A new generation of artists and makers are being introduced to the world of fiber art at Textile Center, thanks to the legacy of Denise Ann Richter and the generosity of a sister and brother who contributed $25,000 to launch and support the new Future Fiber Artists program in her name.

Molly King and her younger brother, Rory King, considered Denise their aunt. She was part of their lives from the time they were born until she passed away on February 12, 2022, when a blood clot stopped her heart at her home in Round Rock, Texas. She was only 60.

Denise was working on multiple needlework projects for three young children of her boss at the time, cross-stitching cursive letters of their first names. “A” (for Annie) and “E” (for Eleanor) were complete, and friends close to Denise completed “W” (for William) and framed and delivered each of the little masterpieces.

Denise and the Kings’ mother, Pat McMorrow, met when they were cub reporters at The Brazosport Facts in Clute, Texas, (a daily newspaper in the greater Houston area). When Pat relocated to Minnesota and became a mother, Denise traveled frequently from Texas to be an active part of Molly and Rory’s lives and their milestone events.

Throughout the years, Denise shared her passion for fiber art with Molly and Rory, and her handwork gifts to them are among their most prized possessions. Denise passed on handwork techniques she learned from her mom and grandma, Minnie Richter and Mathilde Richter, as well as her Danish grandmother, Katherine “Besta” Jensen, and she also instilled in them the importance of giving back to community.

It’s with that spirit Molly and Rory, with the support of their mother, reached out to Textile Center to see if there was a way they could give back in memory of their beloved Aunt Denise, just as she had given to them and the communities she loved.

During our meetings this spring, we learned about Denise’s passion for fiber art and youth mentorship, and Director of Education Cristin McKnight Sethi and Education Associate Chloe Russell Chang developed the program we have named Future Fiber Artists.

With the support from the Denise Ann Richter Youth Fiber Art Fund that Molly and Rory have seeded with their generosity, Future Fiber Artists will cultivate the next generation of fiber art enthusiasts and help foster excitement, confidence, and competency in youth ages 7-12 years old around needle-based fiber arts such as crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and hand-stitching.

We invite you to join Molly King and Rory King in supporting the Denise Ann Richter Youth Fiber Art Fund. Donations can be made online below, or you may send a check payable to Textile Center, 3000 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Please include a note that your gift is directed in memory of Denise Ann Richter.