Mar 19, 2007

Textillery Weavers Partners With Non-profit Agency to Launch Stone Belt Mixed Media Mosaics Collection at High Point Spring

Bloomington, IN – Textillery Weavers has partnered with Stone Belt Arc, Inc., an Indiana-based non- profit organization providing education and support to persons with disabilities, to introduce Stone Belt Mixed Media Mosaics. Set to debut during the March 26-April 1, 2007 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC, the delightful new designs, which will be featured in Textillery’s showroom – IHFC- D408, are created by Stone Belt Arc’s clients using recycled Textillery yarns.

These textile mosaics are a product of the Art & Craft division of Stone Belt Arc, Inc. All Art & Craft products are designed, packaged and distributed by persons with disabilities. Revenue from the Art & Craft projects goes to Stone Belt programming to support and help clients live independently in the community.

“We’re especially excited about this project,” explains Judith Rose, head designer, Textillery Weavers. “In addition to using recycled materials, the project utilizes the abilities of disabled persons in a workshop setting to create satisfying job opportunities and a new income stream for the agency. What’s more, the artwork corresponds directly to the trends Textillery creates and follows as it is influenced by our color choices and direction. ”

Created from recycled Textillery yarns, fabrics and other “found” materials, the framed mosaics are available in either 16″ x 20″ (wholesale price $250, includes frame) or 18″ x 24″ (wholesale price $275, includes frame) sizes.

“Textillery’s support lends a wonderful dimension to our Art & Craft division,” explains Leslie Green, CEO, Stone Belt Arc, Inc. “We’re always looking for new projects, like this textile mosaic program, that can help empower our clients and give them a chance to showcase their creative talents.”

Among the talented artists involved in the project are:

Brooks Smith – Diagnosed with Autism at an early age, Brooks has had a great deal of support from family, friends and professional staff over the years. This, along with Brooks’ personal drive, has created many opportunities, including working in the community. As a long-term and dedicated assembly specialist at a local manufacturing company in Bloomington, IN. Brooks’ attention to detail has been used to its maximum benefit. Between work and his other pursuits, Brooks has also found time to explore his artistic talents, which are featured in Stone Belt’s Art and Craft products. The expressive qualities of his abstract work create very captivating art pieces.

Denise Hillenburg – Denise has been exploring her artistic abilities through art classes, including those offered at the John Waldron Art Center, for several years. Now, through Stone Belt’s Art and Craft production, Denise’s work is being featured in large and small scale works for sale. Marked by their fanciful and sometimes humorous details, Denise’s pieces can certainly put a smile on the viewer’s face and will enliven any room. Denise maintains an active lifestyle filled with Special Olympics activities, trips to the YMCA and visits with family and friends. She enjoys helping others and has a warm heart for all those around her. Denise lives with her mother in Bloomington, IN.

Stone Belt Arc, Inc. strives to be the provider of choice for individuals with developmental disabilities in south central Indiana. Stone Belt is a not-for-profit organization offering a full range of programs and services for more than 2,000 clients in Monroe, Lawrence, Owen, Bartholomew and surrounding Indiana counties. The organization was founded in 1958 by a small group of parents seeking services for their children. Stone Belt’s services are accredited by CARF (formerly the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). The organization is an affiliate of The Arc of Indiana, NISH (formerly the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped), IN-ARF (formerly the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities) and United Way of Monroe County. For more information, visit stonebelt.org or call 812.829.3978

Known for color and texture, Textillery offers more than 600 styles and 75 solid colors to choose from in its versatile hand- woven and jacquard woven collections. Designs include checks/houndstooth, jacquard, multi-texture, pinstripe, plaids, solids and stripe designs. While many designs are woven in rayon chenille, Textillery has added rayon straight yarns, cotton, acrylic, and linen yarns to the collection over the years. Many throws can be hand-washed or machine-washed. All designs are woven in the United States, and all hand-woven items in the line are made exclusively in Textillery’s Bloomington, Indiana studio. For more information, contact Judith Rose, Textillery Weavers, PO Box 3190, Bloomington, IN 47402, or call 1.800.223.7673. Visit Textillery on the web at textillery.com