Joyce Robards

After a career of more than ten years in fine arts and art education, I “discovered” fiber arts while on a sabbatical leave earning my MST in textiles at RIT. Following graduation, participation in the active and knowledgeable Weavers’ Guild of Rochester and volunteer work for HGA gave me different, but equally valuable, perspectives on the craft of handweaving. I began my professional weaving life on the local craft show circuit, but the joy of teaching continued to beckon. I now meld my drive to create and the irrepressible urge to work with fibers with teaching. I enjoy sharing both my professional knowledge and experience-honed skills and my unique perspectives on the fiber crafts in the classes, workshops and programs I offer. I am one of the “founding members” of the Weaving and Fiber Arts Center, and in addition to a regular schedule of weaving and other textile technique classes there, I present programs and workshops for fiber-related Guilds and conferences, and produce a limited line of handwovens for sale.