If you wish to view or study a specific portion of the textile collection, library, or archives please call in advance to make an appointment. Staff is currently available to assist you with research Monday through Friday 9am-5pm. Please call (315) 686-4123 ext 204 or email marina@tiartscenter.org.
Our Permanent Collection
The Thousand Islands Arts Center holds a collection of over 10,000 textiles from around the world, dating from ancient Egyptian times to present day. The primary focus of the collection is on 20th century American handwoven textiles, textile making, and associated social and economic histories. The permanent collection includes a library and an archive which consists of documents pertaining to 20th century American handweaving.
Our major collections include works by nationally and internationally recognized weavers such as Berta Frey, Lucille Landis, Mary Meigs Atwater, Mary Snyder, Myra Young, Theo Moorman, Ruth Holroyd, Klara Cherepov, Theo Moorman, and Nell Znamierowski.
Over 75% of the collection has been photographed, giving those all over the world the opportunity to search and view digital images of our permanent collection.
The Library and Archives
The library and archives are a significant part of the permanent collection and contain more than 2,254 titles. While it is a non-lending library, researchers have full access with prearranged appointments. Most of the records in the archives concern the careers of specific handweavers who lived and worked in the United States. These records include photographs, letters, journals, teaching notes, self-published booklets, business records and scrapbooks. Alternate media items include sound recordings, slides, videos and image CD’s.
Browse the collection
