Editing Fabric Workshop and Museum

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Fabric Workshop and Museum
| image =
| image_caption = Fabric Workshop and Museum
| type = Contemporary art museum, residency program
| address = 1214 Arch Street
| neighborhood = Center City
| coordinates = 39.9538,-75.1595
| phone = (215) 561-8888
| website = https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org
| established = 1977
| founder = Marion Boulton Stroud
| director = Christina Vassallo
| collections = Contemporary art in new materials
| visitors = 30,000+ annually
| hours = Wed-Fri 12-6 PM; Sat-Sun 12-5 PM
}}

'''The Fabric Workshop and Museum''' (FWM) is a contemporary art museum and artist-in-residence program in [[Center City, Philadelphia|Center City]]. Founded in '''1977''', it is the only institution in the United States devoted to creating new work in fabric and other materials through an artist residency program. Major artists including Louise Bourgeois, Robert Rauschenberg, Kiki Smith, and Roy Lichtenstein have created innovative works through the Workshop's collaborative process.<ref name="fwm">{{cite web |url=https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org/about/ |title=About FWM |publisher=Fabric Workshop and Museum |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The Fabric Workshop invites artists to work with skilled studio artisans to explore new materials and techniques, often resulting in groundbreaking works that expand the definition of contemporary art. The museum presents exhibitions of these commissioned works alongside rotating shows of contemporary art, making it one of Philadelphia's most distinctive art institutions.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/fabric-workshop-and-museum/ |title=Fabric Workshop and Museum |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Founding ===

The Fabric Workshop was founded in '''1977''' by '''Marion Boulton Stroud''' (1939-2021) as an experimental studio where artists could explore working with fabric as a medium. Stroud, a Philadelphia philanthropist and art patron, saw an opportunity to support artists by providing resources and expertise in textile production.

=== Evolution ===

Over nearly five decades, the Fabric Workshop has evolved:
* Expanded beyond fabric to include all experimental materials
* Established a permanent collection
* Became a museum with regular exhibitions
* Hosted hundreds of artist residencies
* Gained international recognition

=== Artist-in-Residence Program ===

The residency program is the institution's core mission:
* Artists are invited for extended residencies
* Skilled artisans collaborate on production
* New materials and techniques are explored
* Resulting works often enter the permanent collection

== The Residency Program ==

=== How It Works ===

* Artists apply or are invited
* Selected artists work with FWM staff
* Experimentation with materials is encouraged
* Technical expertise is provided
* Works are exhibited and often acquired

=== Notable Alumni ===

Hundreds of major artists have participated:

{| class="wikitable"
! Artist !! Work/Contribution
|-
| '''Louise Bourgeois''' || Fabric sculptures
|-
| '''Robert Rauschenberg''' || Experimental prints
|-
| '''Kiki Smith''' || Textile works
|-
| '''Roy Lichtenstein''' || Industrial felt works
|-
| '''Chris Burden''' || Sculptural works
|-
| '''Carrie Mae Weems''' || Fabric installations
|}

=== Materials Explored ===

Artists at FWM have worked with:
* Silk screening and fabric printing
* Industrial felt and unusual textiles
* Paper and printmaking
* LED and new technology
* Recycled and found materials
* Whatever the artist imagines

== Exhibitions ==

=== The Collection ===

FWM maintains a collection of over 5,000 works created through its residency program. These works:
* Document the creative process
* Represent major artists' experimental phases
* Are loaned to institutions worldwide
* Form the basis of exhibitions

=== Exhibition Program ===

The museum presents:
* Solo exhibitions by resident artists
* Thematic shows from the collection
* Special commissions
* Traveling exhibitions

=== Current Space ===

The museum occupies gallery space at 1214 Arch Street in Center City:
* Main gallery exhibitions
* Project spaces for smaller shows
* The Studio for artist residencies

== Visiting the Museum ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Wednesday-Friday:''' 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
* '''Saturday-Sunday:''' 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
* '''Closed:''' Monday and Tuesday

=== Admission ===

* '''Adults:''' Approximately $10 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Seniors/Students:''' Discounted rates
* '''Members:''' Free
* Free on select days

=== Tips ===

* Allow 1 hour for a visit
* Check website for current exhibitions
* The experimental nature of the work is the highlight
* Good for contemporary art enthusiasts
* Ask about the residency process

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Market-Frankford Line:''' 13th Street Station
* '''SEPTA Broad Street Line:''' City Hall Station
* '''SEPTA Regional Rail:''' Jefferson Station (2 blocks)
* '''Walking:''' Located on Arch Street between 12th and 13th Streets
* '''Parking:''' Nearby parking garages

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Reading Terminal Market]] (2 blocks)
* [[Pennsylvania Convention Center]] (2 blocks)
* [[Chinatown, Philadelphia]] (5-minute walk)
* [[Philadelphia City Hall]] (5-minute walk)

== Programs ==

=== Public Programs ===

* Artist talks
* Opening receptions
* Panel discussions
* Workshops

=== Education ===

* School programs
* Gallery talks
* Internships
* Study opportunities

== See Also ==

* [[Contemporary Art in Philadelphia]]
* [[Center City, Philadelphia]]
* [[Art Institutions in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org Fabric Workshop and Museum Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/fabric-workshop-and-museum/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Fabric Workshop and Museum Philadelphia - Contemporary Art and Artist Residencies
|description=Visit the Fabric Workshop and Museum, a unique contemporary art institution in Center City. Artist residencies, experimental materials, and groundbreaking works by Louise Bourgeois, Robert Rauschenberg, and more.
|keywords=Fabric Workshop and Museum, contemporary art Philadelphia, artist residency, fabric art, experimental art, Louise Bourgeois Philadelphia, Center City museum
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Art Institutions]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Contemporary Art]]