About Suzi Ballenger

When I first stepped into a small weaving studio on the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia in 1981, I knew weaving would be my profession. The inspiration of that first meeting led me to acquire an old Swedish loom in 1982 and hence my weaving career began! Now, I prefer to share the application of this craft as a method to explore the fullest expression of fiber with pattern, structure, and color. This expression of process balances materials and structure to create a conversation between craftsman/viewer, master/apprentice, teacher/student, and person/person.

EXHIBITS AND PUBLICATIONS
Handwoven Magazine, June/July 2007
Pawtucket Arts Center, Weavers Guild of Rhode Island Show, September 2004
Most Creative and Innovative Award
Studio e, Peace Dale, RI, January 2003 - December 2004
Courthouse Center for the Arts, Weavers Guild of Rhode Island Show, March 2003
CenterCity Contemporary Arts Center, “Recyclables”, September 2002
Gallery 401/Jewish Community Center, Providence, September 2002, October 2001

TEACHING AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE
Lonsdale Elementary School, Lincoln, RI, April – May 2008
Penland School for Crafts, Penland, NC Visiting Artist, October 2007
Saunderstown Weaving School, North Kingstown, Teaching Assistant since September 2001
Penland School for Crafts, Penland, NC, June - July 2006.  Studio Assistant
Putansu Textiles, Thomaston, ME, September 2004 – March 2006 Production Weaver
CVS Highlander Elementary School, Providence, October – December 2004
Studio e, Open Studio Youth Initiative, March – August 2004 Project Coordinator
Davisville Middle School, North Kingstown, March – May 2004
Peace Dale Community Mural Project, September – December 2003 Project Coordinator
RISD Continuing Education, Young Artist Program, Summer 2003. 
St. Augustine’s School, Providence, March-April 2003
CVS Highlander Elementary School, Providence, March – May 2002
Gilbert Stuart Birthplace Museum, Loom conservation and staff training, May – September 2002
Weaving Project, Peace Dale Elementary School Kaliedoscope Program, March 2001
Belleau Art Glass, North Kingstown, Gallery Manager April 2000 – August 2001
Weave a Real Peace, Annual Convention, Program Speaker, March 2000
Flying Shuttles Weaving Studio, Providence, Program Director October 1994 – April 2000

EDUCATION AND RELATED STUDIES
2006    Rhode Island School of Design, Continuing Education
2004    Haystack School for Crafts, Deer Isle, ME,
2003    New England Weaver’s Seminar, Merrimack College, MA
2003    SmArt Schools Seminar, North Kingstown, RI
2001    RI Substitute Teacher Certificate
1998    Certificate, Community Arts Programming. UMass Arts Extension Service
1996    RISCA endorsed Arts-in-Education participant
1980    BA. Keene State College, Keene, NH