Hartford Artisans Weaving Center

About the Hartford Artisans Weaving Center

Now in its 12^th year of operating as an independent 501 (c)(3), Hartford Artisans Weaving Center (HAWC) was formed in response to the unexpected closing of The Weaving Program at Oak Hill School for the Blind in the fall of 2008. At that time a dedicated group of volunteers saw a continued need for providing a supportive and caring community where seniors and people who are blind or have visual loss would have the ongoing opportunity to learn the craft of hand weaving.

What began as a small all-volunteer led organization consisting of a few rooms with 20 looms has grown to occupy a full building of several studios and classrooms, with more than 90 floor looms. The Center now has an onsite boutique offering unique handwoven merchandise created by participants of the Artisan program, and a robust schedule of weaving classes for adults and youth at our flagship location on Woodland Street in Hartford as well as at our satellite location, Cheney Mills in Manchester. Today a cadre of more than 45 active volunteers, our board, and several paid staff help keep the Center operating on a daily basis.

What makes the Hartford Artisans Weaving Center special is the welcoming and supportive environment that has been fostered over the years. This is a place where artisans, students and volunteers alike enjoy spending time. The warm atmosphere of community spirit, the enormous range of creativity, and the satisfaction of working together through love of fiber make the Weaving Center a truly unique place.