Rhode Island Weaving Center

The Rhode Island Weaving Center was established in December of 2020. While a new organization, it builds on a strong foundation. Starting two years ago, a group of long-time handweavers at the Saunderstown Weaving School started to discuss how to serve the ever-growing number of both beginner and experienced weavers. With leadership from the SWS, the decision was made to create a non-profit organization to expand the teaching and recognition of handweaving and other fiber arts. And hence the Rhode Island Weaving Center was born!

In May the Center established its home on the second floor of the historic Kenyon's Department Store building, on Main Street in Wakefield, RI. A studio with multiple looms has been set up, and a series of classes—both beginning weaving and other fiber arts (potentially tapestry, rigid heddle, inkle weaving) will be offered this summer and fall. 

The mission of the Rhode Island Weaving Center is to expand and advance the practice of handweaving through classes, workshops, exhibitions, collaborations, and weaving resources. The Center also serves as a location for other fiber artists to work and learn from one another.

We are all volunteers, working together to promote handweaving and the fiber arts.  We thank all of the hard work of the many, many volunteers who have helped us to open the Rhode Island Weaving Center.  Come join us!

History of Weaving in Rhode Island

Textiles have long played a major role in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Weaving Center will continue this tradition by preserving and nurturing handweaving and related fiber arts. Some of the state’s many past and current contributions to the art and craft of handweaving include the following:

• Notable historic hand weavers include William Henry Harrison Rose (1841-1913) and Bertha Gray Hayes (1878-1947); volumes have been written about each.

• The Textile Department at the Rhode Island School of Design is one of the best in the country.

• The Historic Textile and Costume Collection in the Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandizing and Design at the University of Rhode Island is one of the best university collections in the country.

• The Weavers Guild of Rhode Island, established in 1947, meets regularly throughout the year. Guest speakers and guild members exchange information and inspiration.

 RIWC Founding Members, December 2020

Carolyn Goodrich, President

Norma Smayda, Vice President

Cathy English, Secretary

Judy Schaefer, Treasurer

Elizabeth Hill

Lynne Hale

Polly Alfonso