We are excited to announce the formation of The Rhode Island Weaving Center (RIWC), a non-profit educational center dedicated to handweaving. After years of long waitlists and an elevated interest in handweaving, Norma Smayda of the Saunderstown Weaving School and a board of local, talented weavers will open a weaving center with looms for classes, studio spaces, and a weaving library. The initial space will be smaller with hopes of expanding within a decade to have more looms, larger rooms, lectures and workshops, and possibly a meeting room for The Weavers Guild of Rhode Island. The RIWC will aim to provide the same individualized, specialized instruction Norma has provided for the last 45 years. The RIWC and the SWS will operate concurrently with the center eventually acquiring the school’s extensive weaving library, supplies, and looms. The RIWC will celebrate Norma’s dedication to handweaving and continue Rhode Island’s rich history of textile arts.
Carolyn Goodrich, President of RIWC
Norma Smayda, Vice President
Cathy English, Secretary
Judy Schaefer, Treasurer
Elizabeth Hill
Lynne Hale
Polly Alfonso, Fundraising Chair
