The Art of Weaving Captivates Local Teens

Quality Life Center teens explore weaving - an art form made possible by a $3,208 grant from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation.

Quality Life Center received a $3,208 grant from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation to support a project that brings experienced weavers from the community together with students from the center’s teen program. The project provides teens with the opportunity to learn how to weave, as well as basic business skills.

It all began when the historic Newcomb Loom, owned by the Weavers of Char-Lee, was looking for a home. The loom came to Quality Life Center in 2013, and local weavers began coming in to instruct youth about its use. But having only one big loom made it difficult for everyone to get hands-on experience.

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation appreciated the partnership, and provided funding for weaving supplies as well as smaller, individual looms for the students to create items.  Students will learn how to market their products, and begin selling them locally. Students are working on projects from belts to bracelets to suspenders. 

 “I never envisioned the girls having such a desire to weave!”, said Teen Instructor Shari Armstrong. “Getting them to transition from weaving to a different activity has proven to be very challenging! They are truly enjoying this art form and we enjoy watching them exercise discipline and focus while working on their projects.”

Youth will also gain communication skills when they demonstrate their weaving skills and interact with the public during events.  The first takes place on ROC Day at the Fort Myers Regional Library on January 10, 2015 from 10 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Quality Life Center thanks the Southwest Florida Community Foundation for providing an opportunity for the students in the “Leaders In Training of Excellence Teen Program” to collaborate with experienced, local artists.

About Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida

Quality Life Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization transforming the community by developing the potential of underserved populations in Southwest Florida through early learning and youth development programs, including afterschool and teen and summer camp programs. For 24 years, the “Q” has been instilling values of discipline, integrity and self-sufficiency. Quality Life Center is headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida. For more information, call (239) 334-2797 or visit http://www.qualitylifecenter.org.