Valerie
Jene Babb
Allentown, PA
Photography
| Allison
Quensen Blatt
Allentown, PA
|
|
In Good Company
Textile and fashion design by
artists with and without
developmental disabilities
Camphill Soltane
Glenmoore, PA
 |
Joseph Minotti
Easton, PA
 |
in
good company
Camphill
Soltane’s Textile Design
Enterprise
Therapeutic workshops have
always been part of Camphill life, but seeing the creative potential in
many of
our residents, we at Camphill Soltane
wanted
to become more productive and professional in a way that would involve
everyone
in the entire process, without letting go of our therapeutic and social
values.
We embarked on a journey. In
summer 2006 we added a sewing unit to the existing weavery and created
a space,
where together we could work with inspiration. In summer 2007 we
started to
silk print as well; it allows us to incorporate our resident’s work in
a more
direct way.
We are in
good company,
Camphill Soltane’s Textile Design Enterprise.
As a social enterprise in good
company has more than
financial gain as criteria for success. Our aim is for each member of
the
enterprise to develop new skills, work ethics and professional pride; a
feeling
of self worth through being valued for what you contribute and through
being
nurtured to grow in experience.
We also strive to care for
the environment and contribute to a more sustainable way of living. We
try to
use only natural fibers, which have been produced in an environmentally
friendly way, or make use of old textiles and donated leftover yarns.
Every day all members of in
good company gather for 15-30 minutes to work creatively with a
specific theme. We
draw, paint, work with clay, tell stories, share facts, read books,
watch
movies and visit exhibitions and sites related to the current theme.
This is a
time we get to play with form and color, with reason and rules, and
with each
other. We use the color schemes, patterns, shapes, moods, and images
that
emerge during this work at different stages of the designing and
production
process.
We are on a journey
together, and we learn new things every day. We have surprised
ourselves with
our potential, and we have challenged ourselves. We have learned what a
difference it makes to be able to take ownership for both the creative
process
and the finished product. We know that working in a therapeutic way
that
involves everyone regardless of their level of ability is not the
fastest way
to the end result – but it is the most fulfilling one.
Camphill Soltane in Glenmoore,
PA
is a non-profit organization that provides continuing education and
vocational
pathways for adults with developmental disabilities. Soltane is part of
the
international Camphill movement, which is a network of intentional
communities
created with and for people with special needs.
|
Myke Pollard
