History:
Nan Ross, an artist, weaver, writer, and educator founded Spindleworks in 1976 with grant funds from Maine Arts Commission. Nan shared the skills she knew best: spinning, dyeing, punch hooking and weaving fiber on a loom with 6 individuals. Many of these first artists had spent their lives isolated at Maine’s largest institution Pineland Center which finally closed its’ doors in 1996. Nan had 2 goals for the individuals attending Spindleworks “to get their art seen and for people to respect them as artists” and “to get (the artists) more at ease in the community”. These goals are very much still apart of the continued vision for Spindleworks. Spindleworks became a program of Independence Association in 1978 whose shared mission is : To assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining full and inclusive lives in their chosen communities.

Spindleworks Brunswick is housed in a historic 1840s Greek Revival and part of Brunswick’s vibrant downtown. The program has grown over the years and currently supports over 40 artists. Spindleworks Gardiner is located in Gardiner’s vibrant downtown which includes art studios, and restored theater and waterfront. We are excited to open this program in August of 2023 after closing our Spinoff Studio program in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Our Approach:
We offer guidance for artists to find their creative voice and do not teach a specific approach to artmaking. Artists and Artist Mentors foster creative growth through a shared skill-building approach, shared ownership and care of the studio and gallery, planning exhibits, workshops, and community engagement events.