The Fabric Workshop and Museum

FWM is a rare—and vital—resource for artists. We are a unique provider of space, time, and support that helps artists grow. As we’ve shared in recent messages, this is a critical time for FWM as our fiscal year draws to a close. Your support is essential. Please consider making a gift to help us meet our $50,000 goal by September 30>> >> https://bit.ly/fwmfy25 As The Fabric Workshop and Museum’s Director of Studio Operations and an artist myself, I spend a lot of time working closely with our Artists-in-Residence. I’ve done this work for more than 17 years, but every residency sets a new horizon for growth and discovery. My team’s task is to understand each artist’s vision, and to work collaboratively to bring it to life. Every project is different, introducing new relationships, challenges, and opportunities. In the year to come, I am working on being even more open-ended in our processes with artists, embracing slow discovery and unexpected directions. An example of this is our collaboration with Philadelphia-based artist Adebunmi Gbadebo. We are working with Gbadebo to experiment with growing cotton and indigo, a new direction for her that builds on an existing body of work about her family’s ancestry in Nigeria and the American South. Your support makes collaborations with artists like Gbadebo possible. We rely on our donors to keep our program free and accessible, and to offer these extraordinary opportunities to extraordinary artists. Please make a gift today>> https://bit.ly/fwmfy25 Sincerely, Nami Yamamoto Director of Studio Operations

Greetings, I am writing today with an important request: please consider making a gift to The Fabric Workshop and Museum this September. September 30 marks the end of our current fiscal year. This is a critical time for FWM as we strive to meet our financial goals for 2025 and prepare for an exciting new year of exhibitions, residencies, and educational programming. The stakes have never been higher or more challenging for cultural organizations to fulfill our missions and serve our audiences than they are in this very moment. As I write this message, sounds from the team’s preparations for our next big exhibitions are filtering into my office. It is a vibrant reminder that this place is alive with making. Every day, our enormously talented team collaborates with Artists-in-Residence, helping them evolve their practices through experiments with new materials and forms. Our free exhibitions showcase artwork from these residencies, providing the public with intimate glimpses into the creative processes of today’s most exciting contemporary artists. Our Artists-in-Residence are just one part of a much larger community of makers. Our full community includes thousands of young people we have connected with through art education programming at their schools. It includes the hundreds of teen apprentices and members of the public who have developed their creative voices and skills in our studios. It includes every person who has sought out FWM as a partner in taking their creative work to the next level. For nearly 50 years, we have been steadfast in our belief that artists need dedicated places where they can develop their ideas, hone their craft, and connect as a community. Our ability to keep this vision going—to continue welcoming artists, students, and visitors—depends on the generosity of those who share our belief in this essential work. In other words, it depends on you. Make your gift today and support generations of artists in the pursuit of their next big idea. With gratitude, Kelly Shindler Executive Director https://lnkd.in/e8JMZ6Ns

Next up at FWM!

The The Fabric Workshop and Museum brings contemporary art to life through bold exhibitions, hands-on experiences, and one-of-a-kind public programs 🎨 As a valued PFF partner, FWM continues to create space for creativity, learning, and imagination for all ages. This summer, check out their latest exhibitions and family-friendly events designed to inspire and engage. Plan your visit at https://lnkd.in/eZ9gMhEU #PartnerHighlight #FabricWorkshopMuseum #PFFSupports #FamilyArt #CreativeLearning #PhillyArts

Introducing Season 3 of Halftone, a podcast from FWM.    We’re bringing you conversations between trans and genderqueer artists whose work holds space at the intersection of performance and identity. 🏳️⚧️    Last year, at the invitation from the Bearded Ladies Cabaret, each of these artists took the stage as part of the exhibition, John Jarboe: The Rose Garden, where they captivated live audiences with experimental theater, music, and poetry.    Join our host, cabaret artist Messy Lefae, as we dive into the inclusive, collaborative process that brings their performances to life.   Subscribe now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts >> https://lnkd.in/eztKw-PM This season is made possible with major support from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage

"We sort of imagined this as a wacky department store," Katy Donoghue, co-curator of "Soft/Cover," tells 6 abc Action News of the show’s installation. It features 90 works by 65 artists, but "you really see another side of an artist that you might not expect from seeing their other work, like Lynda Benglis is known as a sculptor," she says. In Soft/Cover, however, you get to see pants the artist created while in residence in 1980. "Huge names in art came here and made something...they're things that we see in our everyday life."    Learn more and get free tickets: https://bit.ly/3zeHlI5 #SoftCover #FabricWorkshop #AimeeKoran #ContemporaryArt #freemuseums

Please read this joint statement from FWM and AFSCME District Council 47, Local 397, AFL-CIO regarding the voluntary recognition process of a staff union at FWM>> https://bit.ly/4jKNuBh

On Saturday, May 3, we're having a Free Family Day in celebration of artist mothers with Art Mamas Alliance, a member-driven supportive community for parents in the arts. Parents can join us for a morning tour and conversation with current Artists-in-Residence while their little ones make art in our studio. Making activities for all ages and artist box viewings are available throughout the day. Why ‘Mothership‘? Philadelphia-based artist Aimee Koran likens the experience of approaching motherhood to the mission of an astronaut traveling to new, unknown territory. We’ve thought of a few ways to honor your adventure. https://lnkd.in/e8K97Bqa

Philly artists and makers, we’re teaming up with Shannon Maldonado, founder YOWIE, to offer you a master class to get your project or product seen. Learn tips and tricks for pitching to press, shops, and potential collaborators, along with more best practices. With two decades of apparel and design expertise, Shannon’s work spans creative direction, interior design, brand development, retail curation and cultural programming, with a focus on building platforms that tell incredible stories. Tuesday, April 8, 6:30–8:30 pm $65 Public | 100% of proceeds will benefit FWM Learn more and register>> https://bit.ly/41Xh6nh Images courtesy of Shannon Maldonado.