Catalyst

A note from Melanie about intention and a new adventure.

I was sitting down to prepare the next project for my Storytelling Through Cloth class over at Warren Wilson College. In reviewing the project prompt that introduces quilting and mending techniques into our skill set for class, and encourages thinking about these skills on a deeper and more personal level, which reads. 

In pieces // mend whole - unraveling and stitching back together - Thinking about what is tattered and worn, in our world or in our personal lives. What systems are broken and outdated, what loss and grief are we experiencing? How can the stitch become a catalyst for healing, mending, shedding skin, changing narratives and breaking patterns. 

There it was. The word Catalyst that Alyssa and I found was the perfect word to name this new community space we have been cultivating since this past summer. It struck me how much we all need this type of work and space in our lives. This is the vital reason why I am carving out just enough energy to build up Catalyst Fiber Workshop, to offer a place for learning and unlearning, for connection and relationship building, for creating the world we want to participate in and counteracting the systems that no longer serve us.

Catalyst Fiber Workshop is located in Fairview, NC just 15-20 minutes outside of downtown Asheville. We have looms and related fiber equipment and want to create space to share with the community these resources. We want to support textile artists and craft folk at whatever level they are in their personal and professional lives, through access, education, and community building.

Connect with Catalyst Fiber Workshop by signing up for our newsletter and following us on social media. We are currently taking applications for resident artists and monthly studio users, hosting craft gatherings and open studio sessions, and have a series of workshops on the calendar for the winter. Find more information about the studio and offerings at www.catalystfiberworkshop.com.