Praxis Fiber Workshop builds the international network of fiber artists and makers through classes, workshops, residencies, and collaborative projects that teach the art form and demonstrate how fiber art can be used to build healthy, resilient, and inclusive communities.
The idea for Praxis came to fruition when the Cleveland Institute of Art announced that they would be downsizing the fiber department and merging it with the existing sculpture and video departments. In collaboration with CIA, we used the existing fiber equipment (including 17 floor looms and a dye kitchen) to open a non-profit fiber art center. Our facility, located in the Waterloo Arts District, is available to the CIA community and the greater Cleveland community. We offer classes and workshops teaching a wide variety of fiber techniques. In addition, Praxis offers studio space for local fiber artists and a gallery to promote the field of contemporary fiber art.
Our 5,000 sq. ft studio features 27 floor looms, 3 large print tables, a full dye lab and assorted equipment to meet every fiber related need.
Our 1,200 sq. ft gallery space, located just in front of our studio, offers rotating exhibitions featuring work of local and international artists.
Jessica Pinsky
Executive Director
Jessica Pinsky is an artist and educator originally from Akron, Ohio. She earned a BFA in Studio Art from New York University in 2006 and an MFA in Painting from Boston University in 2009. In 2011, she relocated to Cleveland, where she joined the faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Art. In 2015, she founded Praxis Fiber Workshop, where she now serves as Executive Director, leading its growth as a community-based textile studio dedicated to expanding access to contemporary fiber art practices.
“It has been a privilege to contribute to the evolution of the fiber program at CIA and to establish Praxis in a city defined by its generosity, creativity, and strong sense of community. I am deeply grateful to the many individuals who have been part of this journey, and to every artist who has worked with this equipment, each contributing to the ongoing legacy of textile practice in our region.”
Board Members
Pam Gill, Chair
Christy Gray, Secretary
Joyce Jentoft, Treasurer
Philippe Benard
Jeannine Denholm
Jenny Fitzpatrick
Elia Pestana
Gregory Tulley
