Some of our Artisan Weavers

Pauline

The weaving center gives me a place to go and make new friends. I know I can accomplish something. I manage to see my weaving and detect any mistakes by using my hands. (Pauline celebrated her 99th birthday this July.

	Carmen I lost my vision due to glaucoma over 20 years ago. When I weave here at the Center, I don't feel like I'm handicapped.

	Arnold I have been blind for over 5 years. Before I lost my eyesight, I was making furniture – for the past 60 years. Being able to weave has given me a reason to get up everyday. I have found a new “reason for living.” I have enjoyed the new friendships and connections with people who also have low or no vision. I have developed a new support system with kind and caring individuals. I weave scarves and shawls. (Arnold is 97 years old.)

	Anita I attended high school at Oak Hill School for the Blind where I learned how to weave. After my husband passed away in 1996, I started weaving at the Artisans Center. It was important for me to get out, meet new people, do weaving. It helped me overcome my great loss. I have developed friendships with other weavers and learned new techniques. I weave blankets, table runners, scarves and shawls.

	Jimmie The atmosphere at the Weaving Center is beautiful.

	Miriam I look forward to weaving at the Center two or three times a week. Otherwise, I would just stay home alone.

	Mary Lou Olivia from BESB(Board of Ed. Services of the Blind) led me to Oak Hill after my loss of vision, about 5 years ago. Weaving Center has been a safe place where I can relax, rejuvenate, re-energize – a socially accepting environment with people from all backgrounds. A rich and enriching environment. I make wall hangings, place mats and table runners.

	Cynthia A. Eye surgery 3 years ago caused my vision loss. It is important to get out and do something productive and be with other people. I make scarves.

	Carolyn Legally blind since birth. Started at Oak Hill, Nov, 2006 when I retired from teaching. I was interested in developing skills using my hands; I also knit. Weaving helps build confidence and I enjoy the company of people who weave. Such programs demonstrate that blind people can do anything. Caring, not sympathy, is most beneficial for me.

	Louise Totally blind since birth. My school years were spent at Oak Hill. I won Industrial Arts Award at Oak Hill 40 years ago. I started at the Artisans center in January of 2008. Starting to weave again brought back memories of when I first attended Oak Hill. I enjoy weaving, meeting new people who weave, and getting out. I live in Wethersfield and transportation is provided. I make scarves and weave fabric for bags and fashion accessories.

	Jeanette I attended at Oak Hill as a teenager and learned how to weave. I come to the Weaving Center 2 or 3 times a week. I like to weave here much better because there is no pressure.

Some of our Artisan Weavers

Pauline

The weaving center gives me a place to go and make new friends. I know I can accomplish something. I manage to see my weaving and detect any mistakes by using my hands. (Pauline celebrated her 99th birthday this July.

Carmen

I lost my vision due to glaucoma over 20 years ago. When I weave here at the Center, I don't feel like I'm handicapped.

Arnold

Anita

Jimmie

The atmosphere at the Weaving Center is beautiful.

Miriam

I look forward to weaving at the Center two or three times a week. Otherwise, I would just stay home alone.

Mary Lou

Cynthia A.

Eye surgery 3 years ago caused my vision loss. It is important to get out and do something productive and be with other people. I make scarves.

Carolyn

Louise

Jeanette

I attended at Oak Hill as a teenager and learned how to weave. I come to the Weaving Center 2 or 3 times a week. I like to weave here much better because there is no pressure.