Meghan Shimek

Meghan Bogden Shimek (b. 1979) is an American fiber artist based in Oakland, California, known for her large-scale woven wall hangings and sculptural installations. Working primarily with natural fibers, Shimek creates ethereal compositions that balance delicacy and structure, allowing materials to move freely through organic forms that evoke growth, transformation, and connection to the natural world.

Originally trained in History and Nutrition, Shimek discovered weaving later in life and went on to study tapestry, Navajo weaving, rigid heddle techniques, and floor loom weaving. Through years of experimentation, she developed a distinctive visual language that brings traditional textile practices into the realm of contemporary sculptural abstraction.

Her practice emerged from a personal exploration of grief and healing, using fiber as a means to investigate vulnerability, resilience, and the emotional power of handmade materials. Her works have been exhibited internationally in galleries, museums, and biennials across the United States and in countries including France, Turkey, and Australia.

Shimek has completed major public and private commissions for institutions and organizations including Google, Etsy, the Royal Palaces of Jordan, San Francisco International Airport, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, and the U.S. Embassy in Qatar.

Her museum exhibitions include presentations at the El Paso Museum of Art, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, North Dakota Museum of Art, Sarasota Museum of Art, Huntsville Museum of Art, Krasl Art Center, and Fairmont State University. She has also participated in the Turkish Textile Biennial in Izmir.

In addition to her studio practice, Shimek regularly teaches workshops and lectures on contemporary fiber art. Her work demonstrates how traditional weaving techniques can be transformed into immersive contemporary forms while maintaining a profound connection to material, process, and the natural world.