The Fabric Workshop and Museum facts for kids
The Fabric Workshop and Museum
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| Established | 1977 |
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| Location | 1214 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Public transit access |   SEPTA bus: 23, 45, 48 |
The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) is a special art place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's a non-profit organization, which means it's not trying to make money. Instead, it focuses on creating new art using different materials and new ways of making art. They work with artists from all over the world.
The FWM started in 1977. It has a cool program where artists can live and work there. It also has a huge collection of art made by these artists. The museum shows art in its own building and sends exhibitions to other places. Plus, it has many educational programs like talks, tours, and chances for students to learn.
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History of the Fabric Workshop and Museum
The Fabric Workshop and Museum was started in 1977 by Marion Boulton Stroud. Her main idea was to create a workshop where artists could work together. She wanted them to be creative and try new things. The Artist-in-Residence program gave artists a place to work. It also provided tools and help to create art, often by printing on fabric.
At first, artists mostly made useful objects. But soon, the FWM realized artists had bigger ideas, especially for art installations. These ideas were sometimes hard to turn into everyday objects. So, the rules changed, and artists could make art that wasn't just for use. Over the years, the idea of "fabric" also grew. Artists and the FWM team have now made art using many different materials. These include wire mesh, horse hair, and even fiberglass.
The FWM has shown its art in many places outside Philadelphia. They have exhibited in places like Eastern State Penitentiary and in cities like New York, Venice, London, Dakar, and Los Angeles. The museum always tries to help artists explore new ideas. They want artists to see that almost anything they imagine can be created. The FWM believes they have the skills and resources to achieve big artistic goals.
In 1996, the collection of art and information from the Artist-in-Residence program grew very large. It became clear that this work was important for history. It needed to be shown to the public and taken care of. That's when "The Fabric Workshop" became "The Fabric Workshop and Museum." Today, it has a permanent collection of over 5,500 art pieces. These works were created by more than 400 different artists.
The museum has moved its location three times. This happened because its neighbor, the Philadelphia Convention Center, needed more space. The Fabric Workshop and Museum is now located at 1214 Arch Street.
The Artist Workshop Program
The Artist-in-Residence program at the Fabric Workshop and Museum brings in famous artists. These artists come from all over the country and the world. Some are new artists, while others are well-known. They come to experiment with different materials and art techniques. The Artistic Director invites artists to join the program. This decision is made after talking with the FWM Artist Advisory Committee. This committee meets once or twice a year to choose new artists.
This program brings together artists who work in many different styles. These include painters, sculptors, architects, and designers. It also includes artists who create installation art, performance art, and video art. The FWM provides all the money and materials for the artists' projects. Artists work closely with the FWM staff, including printers and technicians. If a project needs extra help, the FWM can hire other experts. Artists can also bring their own assistants.
Artists learn new techniques, materials, and resources they might not have had before. This teamwork helps artists create new things for their own work. It also helps push the boundaries of modern art. In the FWM's old building, visitors could see the artists working. The new location does not offer this every day. However, you can sometimes schedule a special tour to see the workshop.
The Museum Collection
The Fabric Workshop and Museum has a permanent collection of amazing art. It includes works by artists like Louise Bourgeois, Sonya Clark, Felix Gonzalex-Torres, and Ann Hamilton. Other artists in the collection are Reverend Howard Finster, Anish Kapoor, Robert Kushner, Glenn Ligon, and Robert Morris. You can also see art by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, and Carrie Mae Weems.
The collection has finished artworks. It also includes early sketches and other items. These show how the artists developed their ideas during their time at the FWM. The Fabric Workshop and Museum also has another gallery space. This space shows art made by the most recent artist in residence. Sometimes, it also displays work by artists not in the residency program. This happens if their art fits the FWM's passion for new and exciting contemporary art.
Educational Programs for All Ages
The Fabric Workshop and Museum offers art education for everyone. This includes students from kindergarten to those who have finished college. Even teachers can learn from the programs offered by the FWM. Through special training programs and tours, people can learn a lot from this organization.
Apprentice Training Programs
The apprentice training program is for high school students, college students, and recent graduates. The high school program helps local students learn skills and get job training. These are things they might not learn in school. Students also earn money for their work. The College and Post-Graduate Apprentice Training Program welcomes students from Philadelphia and other countries. They get to be part of the FWM's daily work. They also learn the skill of screen-printing.
Other Learning Opportunities
- Study Tours cost $5.00 per person. They let you visit the museum and see behind the scenes in the workshop.
- The Onsite Studio Program is a weekly program for elementary school classes. An FWM employee teaches students how to create a silkscreen fabric.
- The Online Curriculum uses the museum's art collection to explore different ideas. It's designed for students from kindergarten to 12th grade. These lessons offer many ideas to make learning more fun.
- Evenings for Educators gives teachers a chance to learn silkscreen printing. They can also see the museum and workshop. Teachers learn how modern art and FWM programs can make classroom discussions exciting.
- The Family Program lets children and their parents experience modern art. They can also tour the exhibits and studios together.
