Archive Raiders Invade the Arts Center’s Collection

Clayton, NY – The Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum,
recently welcomed a group of 6 weaving experts to the collections and library. The Archive
Raiders, as they’ve dubbed themselves, travel from as far away as Maine and Michigan to
spend three days researching and exploring the Museum’s extensive collection of handwoven
textiles, books, manuscripts, and periodicals.

Members of the group are professionals and advanced hobbyists and come with a diverse array
of weaving skills and knowledge. While using the collections and library, the Archive Raiders
assist the Museum by identifying textiles, organizing, and providing their weaving expertise in
numerous ways. Projects this year included creating a list of publications to add to the library,
steaming and rehousing newly accessioned textiles, and inventorying collection boxes.

“Hosting the Archive Raiders is one of the highlights of our year!” curator Marina Loew said.
“We’re thrilled to have such a passionate group of researchers visit our collections and peruse
the library every year. I can’t thank them enough for all their help and look forward to their return
next spring!”

The Thousand Islands Arts Center is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving
and promoting traditional arts and handcrafts through educational programs, classes, lectures,
and exhibitions. Home to a nationally renowned permanent collection of handwoven textiles and
an extensive weaving library, the Arts Center also offers a wide variety of classes for all levels of
students — from beginners to professional artists. The collections and library are open to the
public by appointment. Please call the office or contact Marina@tiartscenter.org for more
information.