Tour of Columbus Ohio Cultural Arts Center Weaving Class

The Cultural Arts Center in Columbus, Ohio has a teaching philosophy that is workshop-based and represents a long tradition of hands-on studio experience. They offer workshops in several categories:

• ceramics, sculpture and bronze
• drawing, painting, and printmaking
• fiber arts, including weaving, dyeing, and surface design
• jewelry and enameling
• beading

They also have a gift shop and offer special workshops and exhibits.

Sit back and enjoy a tour of the weaving class.

The Cultural Arts Center in Columbus, Ohio is located close to downtown at 139 West Main Street. It is housed in one of Ohio's first Ohio State Arsenals, which was designed in 1861 specifically for the storage of arms. The Cultural Arts Center moved into this building in 1978, from a firehouse they previously occupied.

Notice the ceramics pieces that are set out to dry.

The city of Columbus has recently repaved the road, and renovated the bridge over the Scioto River. Beautiful parks and walkways are nearby, including The Scioto Mile.

At first glance, the weaving class might seem to be a bit chaotic. Looms are squeezed into every available space, and people are all working on different projects.

The artist and instructor, Pat Bullen, will give you a tour of the area. She will show you around to all the looms to look at the beautiful works in progress. This will give you an idea about what you can make. Then, she will take you to the storeroom where you can choose your threads to start your own weaving project. You can spin your own threads or bring your own, and Pat will dye them for you if you want a specific color.

Before you enter the building, take a look around the courtyard to see the beautiful landscaping, and find the bell from the USS Columbus, a guided missile cruiser. Notice the architecture of the building, and the eagle from the US Battleship Ohio. When you enter the building, you will notice the gift shop which has many unique projects completed by students and artists. Wouldn't they make beautiful and unique gifts? Take a look around the gallery. Feel free to browse and look around unless you are late to class. Then take the elevator to the third floor. The weaving is on the right side, and the painting is on the left side.

It takes a long time to weave a project. First you measure the threads, and then you perform the many steps to threading the loom. The threading will take several class days. Then you can start weaving and seeing your project come to life.

There are many different crafts from which to choose at the Cultural Arts Center in Columbus, Ohio. And once you pick the type of project you want to make, you have more choices about the specific project you want to make, and the color and design of that project. You can make something that expresses your taste and style, and get hands-on guidance during each step of the project. You also get to see what other weavers are making, so you can get ideas for your next project.