Arthurdale Heritage is proud to announce its first weaving residency, March 1-14, 2027. Located in the rolling hills of Preston County, WV, Arthurdale is the nation's first New Deal Homestead Community—established in 1934—where impoverished families resettled to begin new lives centered around agriculture, woodworking, blacksmithing, and weaving. Championed by first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, these handicrafts industries were not merely a source of income for the homesteaders, but they served to "satisfy the creative instinct that lies in practically every human being." It is this legacy Arthurdale Heritage hopes to carry forward by providing the space, time, and resources Appalachian artists need to create. 

 This is a two-week long residency for emerging weavers in Appalachia who strive to hone their practice. The weaver-in-residence will have access to Arthurdale's Loom Room which is outfitted with a variety of floor looms (many of which are historic to 1930s Arthurdale), rigid heddle table looms, and inkle looms. The weaver-in-residence will stay within walking distance of the Loom Room in a historic cottage on a rural Arthurdale homestead and will be given a $1000 stipend. On Tuesday, March 9, they will teach a 2-hour weaving workshop of their choosing (approved by Arthurdale Heritage). Lastly, on Saturday, March 13, they will present at the Arthurdale Fiber Guild meeting.

 As an open-ended residency, the weaver-in-residence may choose to work on a start-to-finish project, practice unfamiliar patterns and techniques, or engage with the unique history of the site and study 1930s production weaving. The weaver will have the opportunity to explore Arthurdale Heritage's extensive historic textile collection and patterns under the guidance of our Curator.

Applications open October 1 - December 31, 2026. To learn more and apply, visit https://www.arthurdaleheritage.org/artist-residencies/weaving-residency/