The Palácio Gama Lobo in Loulé is preparing to host “Alinhados pela Mesma Lã” (Aligned by the Same Wool), a distinctive exhibition showcasing the work of seven textile artists. From Friday, October 10, to November 22, visitors will have the opportunity to discover innovative pieces crafted during an artistic residency using Algarve Churra Sheep wool.
Curated by Vasco Águas and with the technical support of Paula Neves Têxtil, this exhibition embodies a project that aims to promote the wool of the Algarve Churra sheep, an indigenous Portuguese breed and the only one native to the south of the country.
According to the municipality of Loulé, over several months, artists worked with Algarve Churra wool, overseeing the whole process from shearing to washing and spinning. They reinterpreted traditional techniques, merging knowledge and exploring new methods in contemporary textiles. The outcome is a varied exhibition that blends innovation, tradition, and ecological sustainability, emphasising the artistic and economic value of this local resource.
The “Aligned by the Same Wool” residency is part of the municipality’s strategy to enhance endogenous resources, involving initiatives developed in collaboration with Algarchurra – the Algarve Churra Sheep Breeders Association. Although this breed is well adapted to the Algarve ecosystem, it has been neglected due to lower profitability, now ranking among the least represented in the country.
The show is scheduled to open this Friday, October 10, at 18:00 and will be on display until November 22. Admission is free, and the museum is open to visitors from Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 18h00, and on Saturdays, 09h00 to 13h00.
