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When The Fabric Workshop and Museum was founded in 1977, Marion Boulton
Stroud envisioned an organization that combined the activities of
contemporary ateliers Gemini and U.A.L.E., where artists are encouraged to
experiment with an unfamiliar medium; with the industrial collective
Marimekko, which promotes design excellence in everyday objects; and
inner-city art education programs like Philadelphia's Prints in Progress,
which provides a creative outlet for young people while training them for
jobs. Her vision grew to include the establishment of a visual arts
organization where the public can witness the creative process and view
completed work.
Since its inception, the FWM has developed from an ambitious experiment to a
unique contemporary art museum with a significant permanent collection
documenting the living history of over 25 years of artistic activity, a highly
acclaimed on-site and touring exhibition program, and extensive regional and
international educational outreach through tours, apprenticeships, lectures
and internships.
Initially, the FWM offered artists and students the opportunity to explore
silkscreen printing on fabric. Over the years, the limits of experimentation
have been redefined with each artist's residency as new applications, new
materials, and new presentations have been explored and created. In 1996, the
word "Museum" was added to our name, to reflect the growing collection of
contemporary art, and the institutional commitment to presentation and
preservation, as well as to production and education. The FWM collection now
has over 5,500 objects created by more than 400 artists who have participated
in the residency program.
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