The Weaving Center promotes inclusion, improves accessibility and creates opportunities for the blind and senior community through a shared appreciation and love for hand-weaving. The program has a positive impact on the artisans’ well-being and offers a support system they might not otherwise have. Our gathering place with daily instruction and socialization is distinct and treasured by our community.

“When I’m having a bad day and I know I’m coming to weaving, I know everything will be ok. Coming here makes me feel safe and confident.”  – Catie, artisan

To the best of our knowledge, we are the only program that consistently uses hand-weaving to address the social and occupational needs of these historically underserved populations in a year-round setting. Members of our community have been excluded from the workforce, and isolated due to lifelong disability, changes in health, or age. The sale of the artisans’ handwovens not only provides income, but the payments received help increase the artisans’ sense of self-worth and self-sufficiency.

The program is available to Greater Hartford residents who are blind, visually-impaired, or age 55 years or over. We have 33 artisans in the program, and over 58 volunteers. Our studios are open Monday through Friday. Artisans are encouraged to attend at least twice a week, with many weaving every day we’re open. 48% of our artisans are vision impaired or blind and 82% are aged 55 or older.