How does a school help to facilitate the dreams of a student and help them identify and reach their goals? – or even the dreams and goals of an instructor?

Haywood Community College’s Weaving/Fiber Program, which was started in 1977, has done just that for dozens of weavers over the years. The program began because of a perceived need and the vision of two school administrators who were both natives of Haywood County in the Appalachian region of North Carolina. They knew the local tradition of craft and its history in the region and were perceptive enough to create a brand-new craft program that was designed to help craftspeople learn skills and to continue those traditions in the late 20th century, and now, well into the 21st century. 

Join Catharine Ellis, Haywood Community College’s Fiber Arts Instructor from 1977-2008, along with Amy Putansu, who took over the program and is currently teaching, and Olivia Goldstein, a recent graduate, as they talk about what the Professional Crafts Program has meant to them as individuals and to the textile community. 

This program is free & open to all.