Fabric of Life
Fabric of Life is a 501(c)3 not for profit educational organization dedicated to the preservation and passing on of knowledge and skills that enrich our daily lives. We strive to see traditional skills flourish in our modern world and make these educational opportunities available to future generations. Working together creating practical things of beauty not only improves quality of life, but also strengthens communities.
Upcoming Fabric of Life Programs
Public Reception with Master Printmaker, John Marcy
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Fabric of Life, 80 Bassett Rd., Shelburne, MAJoin us at the Bassett Homestead from 1-3PM on November 2nd for a public reception showcasing a selection of John Marcy’s work over the past 40 years as a photographer and printmaker.
John Marcy holds an MFA in Photography from Yale University. His work in black-and-white printmaking for important contemporary and historically important photographers has been exhibited in many venues, including The Museum of Modern Art, The Wadsworth Atheneum, The National Museum of Women in the Arts, The Worcester Art Museum, a traveling exhibition for the National Geographic Society, and the National Gallery of Art.
Väv Immersion Weaving Intensive 2025
August 11 – October 3, 2025
Väv Immersion is an 8-week weaving intensive co-sponsored by Fabric of Life and Vävstuga Weaving School.
This comprehensive weaving course includes challenging projects, extensive theory classes, and an immersive artisanal community. We welcome all individuals from 18 years old onward and are committed to supporting diversity within our program. Regardless of where you are in your skills, who you are, or where you will be traveling from, we welcome you to apply to be considered for our 8th Väv Immersion cohort.
To be notified when applications open, please subscribe to our email newsletter.
BARNFEST 2025
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Don’t miss our biggest event of the year! Barnfest is a full day community event featuring local artisans, crafters, musicians, dancing, and a community supper. More details coming soon!
View Complete Program Calendar
Help Us Preserve Traditional Skills
Fabric of Life was founded by Becky Ashenden in 2014 and is dedicated to the preservation and passing on of traditional knowledge and skills that enrich our daily lives. Our organization is entering its tenth year and is supported by donations from individuals like you who value the work we are doing. With your help, we can continue to offer programs dedicated to weaving, construction, agriculture, traditional music, and more.
About Fabric of Life
At the heart of Fabric of Life are individuals who believe in the value of learning traditional agricultural, construction, music, craft and hand skills. An education steeped in these skills creates opportunities for each of us to understand who we are in relation to ourselves, the natural world, and within our communities. In turn, we have found that these skills and this self-knowledge bolsters individuals, communities and cultures, serving as a source of renewal and regeneration for generations to come. Our work and our learning is founded in a commitment to lifelong learning and to equally valuing the culture, identity, and knowledge of all nations, peoples and generations.
We hope you will consider helping sustain our mission as we work to preserve traditional skills for future generations.
