CURRENT PROJECTS AND PARTNERS
ARTWORKS:The Naomi Cohain Foundation
ArtWorks is dedicated to improving the healthcare experience of pediatric patients facing chronic and life-limiting illnesses by providing access to creative and performing arts programs that serve as a vehicle for healing, communication, self-expression and personal development. In 2017, ArtWorks incorporated SAORI weaving in the Teaching Artists Program, which offers multi-disciplinary art workshops and one-on-one sessions for hospitalized pediatric patients. The SAORI weaving program at the New York-Presbyterian Morgan Staney Children's Hospital is staffed by board members Ria Hawks and Jane Bloom. They offer children and their families the opportunity to weave during the outpatient hematology/oncology/bone marrow transplant clinic each week. In the past year more than 50 children and family members wove, creating scarves, doll blankets, tapestries, T-shirt designs and table runners. www.artworksfoundation.org

EKG pattern woven by boy in clinic

11 year old sleeping under weaving she made while receiving chemotherapy
SISTER PAT'S KIDS CAMP at the Marist Brothers Mid-Hudson Valley Camp
Sister Pat's Kids Camp is a one-week summer camp for children with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders. Starting in 2015, Ria Hawks has coordinated SAORI weaving in the art room for camp participants and staff. She organizes looms, materials and visiting artists to work with the children.

EXTREME KIDS AND CREW, Brooklyn and Queens NY
Extreme Kids & Crew provides play-spaces where children with disabilities and their families, connect, create and learn together. Through arts- and play-based programming, kids of all ages discover their talents and forge friendships through classes, social groups and after school activities. The family education and advocacy services provided by Extreme Kids and Crew equip parents with the knowledge and emotional resources they need to advocate for their children and themselves. SAORI Arts NYC has hosted two weaving workshop during the weekend activity Open Play in December 2017 and April 2018. We plan to offer workshops twice a year.
BEAUTY WITHOUT INTENTIONS LOOKBOOK AND SHOW
Thank you to all who contributed and worked with us to create the designer look book! For inquiries regarding garment rentals or purchases contact brandy@saoriartsnyc.org
Credits:
Photographer: Michael Burk
Models: Delilah Wells & Sasha Frolova
Backdrop: Nica Rabinowitz
Makeup & Hair: Maryann Conneely
Tenri Cultural Institute in New York NY
SAORI WEAVING x FASHION DESIGN COLLABORATION
April 17th is almost here: the opening night of our much anticipated show! It is the overall 10th Anniversary of Loop of the Loom, as well as the first show hosted by SAORI Arts nyc! Come see the works of local designers and artists' garments created with artworks made by SAORI weavers with special needs in Japan. These weavers artworks combined with the creativity of these local fashion designers will be magical and incredibly unique. A collaboration that has never before seen in the US.
This project will continue after the show, as we will be receiving more fabrics woven by people with disabilities for sale and available for making into garments. Stay tuned for updates on this project!