Multi-Media Fiber Art Roster at Trad Arts Studio this Fall

(Pawtucket, RI) Fiber is an omnipresent element in our lives, as every day we rely on its comfort and function to get along.

That said, what could be more satisfying or productive than learning to work fibers artistically or for crafting pursuits?

Multiple aspects of fiber art and craft will be explored this fall in work-sessions hosted by Trad Arts Studio at Slater Mill.

“Basically we’ll take you from fiber to cloth, teach you to tame and shape felt for various purposes, have you turning pulp into beautiful personalized papers, and also fixing those worn or broken caned chairs that you hoped to be able to use again,” said Eleanor Langham, deputy director at Old Slater Mill, about the full program slate.

The studio welcomes back familiar faces, and also welcomes a new instructor, Andrew Haviland, who will teach a four-session class in Needle Felting, beginning on October 16. Haviland, a jewelry-designer by trade, is a RISD-educated artist who also teaches continuing education classes at the school.
Suzi Ballenger returns September 28 to begin the 10-week Handweaving class, and repeats the equally-popular Contemporary Papermaking class on four Wednesday nights starting October 16.

“If you have wanted to take Suzi’s handweaving class, be sure to act immediately once registration is announced, or you’ll be left out. It fills up very fast, and is limited to eight students,” advises Langham.

Joining Suzi on some Saturdays is Beth Fitz, who will teach wheel spinning. Beth, an active member of the RI Spinners’ Guild, and an experienced instructor, will offer five sessions starting October 19.

Steve Emma, a veteran instructor at the studio, and an outstanding artist and craftsman, returns to teach a six-session Chair Caning class on Wednesday evenings. His class launches on October 2.

“Think of the birthplace of the American Textile Industry as your inspirational 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. “It also exposes you to an entirely new community of practitioners and resources to help you grow and develop in your skill.”

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

“Students aged 15 – 18 years may request a scholarship by emailing info@slatermill.org,” offers Langham. “It’s a great opportunity, but it requires a commitment to attend all sessions.”

Registration is available at brownpapertickets.com, by calling 401-725-8638 x.100 with a credit card, or by sending in our mail-in form which you can request by emailing info@slatermill.org,

Trad Arts Studio at Slater Mill is located at 67 Roosevelt Avenue in downtown Pawtucket RI. The second-floor studio is ADA accessible.