August 1, 2011
Using Textile Arts to Enrich Lives
On a recent trip to Philadelphia, I discovered a wonderful and unique textile studio. The town in northern New Jersey where my husband and I live doesn't even have a fabric store, much less a needlework shop, so the skeins of yarn hanging in the window and a glimpse of the looms inside immediately drew my attention. My husband and daughter indulged me as I talked (at length) with Leslie Sudock about Arts Street Textile Studio: Handmade with the Homeless.
Leslie explained that Arts Street Textile Studio is a creative community outreach: a place where anyone can come to learn a variety of fiber and textile skills, including weaving, knitting, crochet, quilting, and embroidery. Leslie, and her co-founder, Kathryn Pannepacker, "Believe that art is a social service". Their aim is to better the lives of those suffering the hardships of homelessness and addiction, by giving them a creative outlet and teaching them marketable skills. Located at 626 South Street, the workshop serves as a classroom as well as a gallery to display and sell the works of its artists who, although life-challenged, thrive on their ability to create textile art from wall hangings to scarves, and other forms of textile artistry.
We believe that art is a social service. Our aim is to promote visibility and dignity for all through the work of our hands.
Everyone is welcome. All participants are asked, if they are able, to contribute $1 for a day spent in the studio. Half of the proceeds from the sale of items through the gallery go to the artist and the other half to help support the continued work of the studio.
Kathryn and Leslie are working to obtain a fiscal sponsor for non-profit status, and monetary donations of any size are very appreciated. Contributions of materials are always welcome as well. For more information about sponsoring educational workshops and private events, or to make arrangements for donating supplies, they can be reached by email at:
Kathryn Pannepacker: kpannepacker@gmail.com
Leslie Sudock: la.sudock@verizon.net
General information: artstreetext@gmail.com
Arts Street Textile Studio
626 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147-2102
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 3-8 p.m.
You can learn more about Arts Streets Textile studio on Facebook.
Leslie explained that Arts Street Textile Studio is a creative community outreach: a place where anyone can come to learn a variety of fiber and textile skills, including weaving, knitting, crochet, quilting, and embroidery. Leslie, and her co-founder, Kathryn Pannepacker, "Believe that art is a social service". Their aim is to better the lives of those suffering the hardships of homelessness and addiction, by giving them a creative outlet and teaching them marketable skills. Located at 626 South Street, the workshop serves as a classroom as well as a gallery to display and sell the works of its artists who, although life-challenged, thrive on their ability to create textile art from wall hangings to scarves, and other forms of textile artistry.
We believe that art is a social service. Our aim is to promote visibility and dignity for all through the work of our hands.
Everyone is welcome. All participants are asked, if they are able, to contribute $1 for a day spent in the studio. Half of the proceeds from the sale of items through the gallery go to the artist and the other half to help support the continued work of the studio.
Kathryn and Leslie are working to obtain a fiscal sponsor for non-profit status, and monetary donations of any size are very appreciated. Contributions of materials are always welcome as well. For more information about sponsoring educational workshops and private events, or to make arrangements for donating supplies, they can be reached by email at:
Kathryn Pannepacker: kpannepacker@gmail.com
Leslie Sudock: la.sudock@verizon.net
General information: artstreetext@gmail.com
626 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147-2102
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 3-8 p.m.
You can learn more about Arts Streets Textile studio on Facebook.
