Ann's· experience in both the nonprofit arts sector and for-profit arts merchandising product management makes her uniquely qualified for her position of Executive Director. She shares the Weaving Center’s core values. and has a true appreciation of their values.
Most recently, Ann was a Product Manager for a local consumer product goods company. where she was responsible for the exclusive design and management of arts and crafts products. She Is experienced in all aspects of bringing a new product to market as well as leading a cross functional teams to create processes and efficiencies to effectively maintain programs. Prior to this Ann was the Arts Program Coordinator at Connecticut Children's Medical Center where she ran the therapeutic art and music programs which served thousands of patients-and families. Her years as a professional graphic designer taught her how to balance creativity with solid program management.
As the Executive Director, Ann manages day to day operations arid work with the community of artisans, volunteers-and-staff.at the Weaving Center. She focuses her energy on expanding our revenue streams to ensure future sustainability and raise community awareness about the Weaving Center and its programs.
Since 2009 the Weaving Center has been dedicated to teaching hand weaving to Hartford area seniors and people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. Learning this ancient art provides the artisan with self esteem and sense of accomplishment. It also breaks down some of the isolation that these individuals often face. The program got its start at Oak Hill as part of their program, but when they decided to stop the program, the individuals named above were able to put together a new organization with the help of donated space to keep the services alive.
There mission is to enhance lives through the sharing of common artistic experience.
Here are some pictures from all around the center and some community activities that they participate in. The Center is currently serving 33 participants. It provides social opportunities as well as a source of income for the participants.
From scarves to towels to pillows, this is some of the beautiful work that is done by the center.
Ann shared the story of some the artisans that have been helped by the center and the volunteers that help.
When an artisan starts, they may have had no experience with weaving as we watch them going through the stages of learning. There is an application process and they are limited by space.
The Center is supported by a number of local organizations as well as by sales of the artisans work. One of their major fund raiser is the annual sale and open house.
For further information you may contact: