As a program of the Independence Association, Spindleworks provides supplies, studio and gallery space to artists with disabilities. Artists range in age from 20-80 and work in a wide range of mediums including: painting, drawing, weaving, fiber and fabric arts, jewelry, wood, sculpture, ceramics, poetry, music, acting and video, and. The Spindleworks artists have shown locally, nationally and internationally, and work regularly on commissions throughout the year.

Early films looked in at the Spindleworks artists and people with disabilities from the outside, as a peek at a world formerly hidden behind the walls of institutions. As the movement for deinstitutionalization began, and programs like Spindleworks were established, people with disabilities began to be offered means to express themselves and tell their stories. Video and film became a way to find a voice and reach a larger audience. Everything in Sight captures this shift as it happened at Spindleworks.  

2008 marks Spindleworks’ 30th anniversary, and since its doors opened in 1978 with just 6 artists, Spindleworks has grown to be the creative home for 40 artists working in diverse media. The program has its roots in fiber arts, specifically weaving and spinning, and over the years has expanded its offerings to match the interests of the artists the program supports. Visitors to Spindleworks will now find not only a room of looms, but also ceramics and woodworking studios, drawing and painting areas, and most recently an audio visual studio for new media work. The artists express themselves through visual as well as performing and literary arts.

Details: The exhibit is free at Frontier Cafe, Cinema, and Gallery from March10-April 24th, and the film plays Friday, April 4th at 6 and 8 p.m., tickets are $5. Call Frontier to purchase tickets in advance.

FMI, Frontier: 725-5222
Spindleworks: 725-8820

Spindleworks gallery, studios and store are open Monday through Friday 9-4.