Women of Would Works Featured at The Center for Art in Wood in Philadelphia
Would Works is proud to be participating in the group show Making a Seat at the Table: Women Transform Woodworking curated by Laura Mays and Deirdre Visser at The Center for Art in Wood in Philadelphia this Fall.
Did you know that the majority of Would Works artisans are women? We have a strong referral partnership with the Downtown Women's Center who have sent more than thirty of their women through the Would Works program in the last couple years.
Like many women, most of our female artisans had not considered woodworking as a viable employment path. “This is not a thing women usually do,” says Shirley (below), whom we met at an outreach event at the Downtown Women's Center. “I never would have thought about doing Would Works if they hadn’t approached me.” Thanks to the Ticket to Work program, Shirley has been able to stay on as a Would Works artisan for a year and has become a natural leader on the shop floor. "I love my job!...I love making things!" she says.
The store at The Center for Art in Wood will be featuring and selling the various wood homewares that these women make at our weekly workshops.
Many Would Works supporters and volunteers are participating artists as well, so please stop by and enjoy the show!
Also in News
Sarah Watlington Spotlights Community Builders Program in Fine Woodworking Magazine
As we dive into a new year, it's inspiring to see our work with Angel City Lumber gaining recognition. Sarah Watlington recently penned a piece in Fine Woodworking, shining a spotlight on our collaboration and the impact it's having on our community.
Would Works to Receive $10,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts
A Look Into Our Transformative 2023
Winding down this year, we express deep gratitude for your support and engagement with Would Works. 2023 began expansively: WW Community Builders Program Artisans and our team took a field trip to the snow-covered Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains north of the city. Shirley is the Artisan Lead at Would Works and was born and raised in LA. She’s now in her mid-60’s, yet she’s never been up to the Angeles Forest. Our city is surrounded by abundant landscapes, but many residents who face barriers to employment also lack access to experiences in nature. This forest visit reflects the growth trajectory of Would Works, which we illuminate here.
