Fall into Fiber Art Classes at Old Slater Mill

(Pawtucket, RI) As the weather turns cool, our minds turn to soft woven throws, cozy and comfortable socks, and a change in colors, wardrobe and décor.
It is also the perfect time to adopt a new craft, and to consider learning new skills that allow you to make and do by your own hand. Interested? Then Slater Mill’s Trad Arts Studio is the perfect place to learn.

The second floor of the Old Slater Mill plays host to a variety of Fiber Art classes, beginning on September 29 with Handweaving, continuing October 3 with the start of Chair Caning and Sock Knitting, and punctuating with a session on Papermaking that launches October 24.

“The birthplace of the American Textile Industry can also be your stepping off point to a lifelong hobby and passion that can be productive as well as enjoyable,” says Lori Urso, executive director of Slater Mill museum.
Wednesday evening and Saturday morning sessions range from three to ten weeks in length, and are taught by recognized professional artisans and designers Suzi Ballenger, Steve Emma, and Pam Sluter.

“This session we’re offering Papermaking for the first time in a long time,” said Urso. “Suzi Ballenger, who has been teaching weaving at Slater Mill for over ten years, demonstrated the craft at this year’s Samfest in August, and found there is an overwhelming interest in learning it.”

Trad Arts Studio teaches skills that translate into making things for yourself, your home, for gift giving, or for selling, and that build skill and coordination. Most classes are designed to accommodate students of varying levels of skill. Small class sizes allow for a personalized experience.

Slater Mill also offers a couple of scholarships each session, for local high school students interested in learning.

“Students aged 15 – 18 may request a scholarship by emailing us at info@slatermill.org,” advises Urso. “An opportunity made possible thanks to the generous sponsors of Trad Arts Studio.”

Registration forms are available on request. Email info@slatermill.org, or call 401-725-8638 x.106.

Slater Mill is located at 67 Roosevelt Avenue in downtown Pawtucket RI. The second-floor studio is accessible via wheelchair lift.

Trad Arts Studio is sponsored by the Phyllis Kimball Johnstone Foundation, Berroco, the RI State Council on the Arts and the City of Pawtucket.