Preserve and develop handmade textile arts

Textile traditions are the glue that helped families and friends connect, keep warm and show their love through handmade household items. Unfortunately these art forms were often restricted to their communities and had limited access to the consumer market . The idea I would like to share is the creation of a cottage industry model to educate, develop and promote these textile art forms that are a part of the heritage and beauty of the lowcountry. A cottage industry would afford many people an opportunity to work from their home to create these traditional handmade items and by developing partnerships with established businesses these pieces would present an aspect of history that is little known. Textile art traditions tell a very compelling story of the creativity and ingenuity of the artisans. I am interested in preserving these handmade textile traditions while enabling them to evolve and reach the homes and lives of the contemporary consumer. It is important to share these little known pieces of history for all of us to gain a greater understanding of the cultures of the Lowcountry. When these aspects of history are shared it provides greater insight and knowledge of each culture which is an important part of truly getting to know one another.

Sharon 0