Thank you for your interest in a Field Trip to Textile Arts Center! Please fill out this preliminary information and we will be in touch shortly.

The educational mission of the Textile Arts Center is to promote and expand the understanding and appreciation of textile and fiber arts, and the traditional skills associated with the treatment and production of cloth. We strive to provide empowerment through knowledge, and create a collaborative and inspiring experience.

Field-Trips are a great way to introduce potential artists to the world of textiles. We offer Field Trips at our Brooklyn location, starting as young as 5 years old, for both public and private schools, as well as for colleges, universities, and adults.

Lower, Middle & High School Field Trips are designed with the visiting teacher's classroom curriculum in mind. If you would like to focus on a specific time or culture please just let us know and we will include interesting and relevant textile facts in the introduction and demonstration portion of your visit.

The visit starts with a short introduction to the Textile Arts Center and the day's activity, providing context for the hands on activity. The introduction is followed by a demonstration of materials and proper use of equipment. The rest of the time, about 45 minutes, is spent hands-on, exploring the art of weaving and/or indigo dyeing.

Field-trip Workshops (1 - 2 hours)
Location: TAC Brooklyn
Time Slots: Tuesday or Thursday 10AM - 2 PM

Rates (up to 20 students):

1 hour Field Trip: $225*

*Weaving Field Trip Groups of 12+ students will be on shared looms. If you would like your students to be on individual looms (up to 20 students) an additional $75 payment is required.

2 hour Field Trip (Combo Weaving + Indigo Dyeing): $405 (10% discount)

Combination Field Trips of 16+ students will be broken up into 2 groups and rotate subjects during the Field Trip. Individual looms are able to be accommodated up to 20 students due to group rotation.

If your class/group has more than 20 students, we charge an additional $10 per student for every hour.

* We are pleased to offer discounted rates for Title 1 Schools: $160 (1h field-trip) and $270 (2h field-trip)


OPTIONS:

Weaving (1 Hour Field Trip)

Students will learn about weaving history, equipment and practice. Class starts with a demonstration of how to use a simple table loom and how to wind bobbins for weaving. Following the demonstration, students will break up into pairs or small groups and experiment weaving on their own, taking turns and working on making collaborative pieces of fabric. At the end of the hour, the instructor will cut the weavings off the looms and show students how to finish them, so students can take them back to the classroom.

Indigo Dyeing (1 Hour Field Trip)

This lesson focuses on the Indigo, a mysterious dye that has been documented since the 4th century B.C.  Dyeing with indigo is a magical process that requires that all oxygen must be removed from the vat. To do this naturally, without the use of chemicals, we use an organic method safe for children and safe for the environment.  This visit opens students' eyes to the natural bounty around them and the need to protect it through practices that support and promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Students will learn about the history and science behind the indigo dyeing process;  and they will experiment with a few shibori techniques to create patterns on the cloth samples.