CCE Instructor Profile: Joanna Spicer shares her love of, and skills with, textiles and weaving

Do you love textiles and weaving and want to learn new techniques? This fall, PCA&D is offering a variety of Center for Creative Explorations classes taught by Joanna Spicer. Intergenerational Studio: Ages 11-Adult – Weaving Basics Workshop on September 28; Intergenerational Studio: Ages 11-Adult – Weaving Basics (Afternoon) on Tuesdays starting October 4; Intergenerational Studio: 11- Adult – Textile Exploration: Fabric Bowls on Thursdays starting October 6; Weaving Basics Workshop: Grades 4-6 on October 1; Creative Cultural Explorations: Grades 4-6 on Saturdays starting October 8. 

Spicer is a Lancaster County native who briefly lived abroad before coming back to the states and graduating from Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, with a BFA in Textile Design. She taught art for 19 years at the elementary and middle school levels, and instructs adult classes in different settings. Spicer is an instructor with Lancaster Creative Factory, and collaborates with Lancaster Office of Aging, teaching at Lancaster County Senior Centers. She instructs and organizes paint events for fundraising ventures for individuals, local businesses, and non-profit organizations. We asked Spicer to share a bit more about herself and her various courses this fall.

Can you tell us a little about your interest in weaving and textiles and your classes this fall?

Joanna Spicer: Weaving is my zen. I fell in love with it the first time I held a peg loom and then again when I sat in front of a floor loom for the first time.  Weaving is limitless, affording the artist the ability to create usable art as well as aesthetically pleasing visual art. Textile design is a form of art that bridges professional and fine art and there are endless possibilities for how it can be used and enjoyed.  Secondary to weaving, I also enjoy exploring clamping and dyeing techniques with fabric which can then be used as canvas for other projects. 

I hope the weaving basics class, and the fabric bowl class introduce textiles in an easy and fun way so artists are hooked the way I was and can dive into the world of textiles with excitement. 

My hope for the Cultural Exploration class is to empower artists to look beyond their local communities and influences to expand the possibilities of new and thoughtful art. These explorations will influence and inspire, utilizing many materials and personal creativity. 

What are you most excited about for these classes?

JS: I am most excited to share my love of art.  It is always amazing to work with others through creative processes. Collaboration is necessary in creativity and this gives us all an invaluable connection which drives our artistic passions. I learn so much from my students as I teach them, which is so rewarding. 

What are some of the most important takeaways that prospective students should know about your classes?

JS: Come prepared to learn, share, and create!  We will have a fantastic time and everyone will be met at their individual level to achieve their personal goals!  We will be busily creating and utilizing every minute we are together. 

What is your creative process and what will be your approach to teaching these courses?

JS: My creative process and teaching style are similar:  Find inspiration, play, explore, create, collaborate, and have fun!  My goal for the classes is for each student to leave with knowledge of new processes and forms of art, and an excitement to continue with what they have learned. 

What do you think the benefit of having an Intergenerational class is?

JS: Through my career, I have taught students in the age range from 3 years old to 91 years young!  Connecting with people from different generations is not only beneficial, it is also necessary.  The learning possibilities are endless when you can learn from many generations; creativity is boundless and when you can share with a large pool of creators, the inspiration and excitement are ignited! 

What do you do for fun when you’re not teaching/working?

JS: My fun time includes being with my kids, friends, and family, spending time outside biking and hiking, chilling with a cup of tea and a coloring book, weaving, and traveling when I can.