Martha Hoggard has a history of love for the fiber arts and nature. Formally trained as a biologist, she likes to combine her love of natural fibers and objects from nature to create visually stimulating and functional handwovens. As a weaver since 1979, she explored the related fields of spinning and natural dyeing, and often combines her handspun naturally-dyed yarns into her works. Her educational experiences include studies in drawing and watercolor as well as numerous weaving classes and workshops. She has served as president for both the local Gainesville Handweavers Guild and Florida Tropical Weavers Guild. Since 1990 she has taught floor- loom weaving at the University of Florida's Reitz Union Arts and Crafts Center. The majority of Martha's handwovens are in traditional patterns and utilitarian forms of placemats, rugs, runners, scarves, and shawls. She has a special interest in overshot weaves. Currently she is exploring more free form designs incorporating objects from nature such as wood, shells, and feathers. Martha weaves at her home studio in Wacahoota area southwest of Gainesville. The surrounding woods and wildlife are a constant source of inspiration for her weavings.

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