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.
Spindleworks Timeline: Celebrating 50 Years of Creativity
Handwritten by Abby Medina
Video Interviews
Nan Ross - An Interview, 2026
Artist Anna McDougal interviews Nan Ross, founder of Spindleworks, about the organization’s beginnings.
Liz McGee - An Interview, 2026
Liz McGee, former Senior Manager of Spindleworks, reminisces on her nearly 14 joyous, inspiring years with the organization.
Dan Joyce - An Interview, 2026
Dan Joyce celebrates the memory of his brother John Joyce, one of the original Spindleworks artists.
Jen Davis - An Interview, 2026
Artist Nancy Scott interviews Jen Davis, who worked at Spindleworks between 1990 and 2000 as an Artist Mentor and Director.
Terri Snape - An Interview, 2026
Butch Schram interviews fellow artist and long-time friend Terri Snape, who has been an artist at Spindleworks for 50 years.
Jim Pierce - An Interview, 2026
Interview with Jim Pierce, who served as director of Independence Association for 33 years, on his collaboration with Nan Ross in the establishment of Spindleworks.
Gary Lawless - An Interview, 2026
Interview with Gary Lawless on his 47 years of collaboration with Spindleworks’ poetry program.
Arlene Morris - An Interview, 2026
Artist Terri Snape interviews Arlene Morris, who served as Creative Supervisor and Director of Spindleworks from 1987 to 1997.
Brian Braley - An Interview, 2026
Interview with Senior Manager of Spindleworks Brian Braley.
Justin Reed - King Kong in a Blanket
Spindleworks artist Justin Reed shares information about the short film “King Kong in a Blanket,” which was co-directed by Nan Ross and Bruce Williams and features the six original Spindleworks artists.