Crossroads Goes Green with Artisan Development
Crossroads Staff Writer
January 18, 2010
Crossroads Rhode Island recently received a grant award from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts which will support the continuation of arts programming at both the Crossroads' Women's Shelter and a supportive housing residence, both of which are located at 160 Broad Street in Providence.
Between February and June of this year, a weekly Open Art Studio will take place for women from the shelter, and men and women from the Towers Residence. The Open Studio will allow those receiving services from Crossroads to have access to quality art materials, and a calming space in which to create works of art fueled by their own imaginations and personal visions.
Crossroads is also very excited to announce the pilot of a Green Artisan Development Program that will afford the opportunity for our clients to discover their craftier side as they develop functional objects made from recycled materials. Teaming up with triple R craft lab, a new local business with a social mission, participants will work in a lab environment, side by side with triple R and visits from local designers to create handcrafted goodies like crocheted reusable shopping bags, soda can flower brooches, and bottle cap lampshades. In June, artisans will have the opportunity to display and sell their handmade wares at a local outdoor market or local boutique, and earn supplemental income from the sale their creative work.
Local artist, Wendy Warlick, who has led previous art workshops at Crossroads, and who has over fifteen years of experience as an art workshop facilitator working with vulnerable populations of homeless, mentally ill, and marginalized adults, will lead both the Open Art Studio, and as proprietor of triple R craft lab, oversee the pilot of the Green Artisan Development program at Crossroads.
Crossroads RI believes art should be a part of everyone's life, including those who are excluded by poverty, homelessness, and mental illness. We believe bringing the arts to the most vulnerable people will bring many benefits and give them new ways to communicate the value of their lives and dreams to the rest of the world.
If you'd like to assist, here is a list of supplies that will be needed for the program. Donations can be dropped off at 160 Broad Street, or by contacting Jade Alves in the Development Office.
Materials:
Tombow Dual Brush Pen Markers, assorted colors
Sobo Glue
Paint brushes
Drawing pencils
Grommet machine
Riveter
Grommets
Rivets
Crochet hooks (various sizes)
Knitting needles (various sizes)
Sewing machine
Thread
Recyclables:
Soda Cans (clean)
Aluminum soda can tabs
Yarn
Jute
Bottle caps: laundry, soda, water, etc.
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