MEND, TOGETHER
Art on the Mend is a community arts program sparking creativity and connection through visible mending circles.
Mending circles are welcoming, regular gatherings where people can connect and learn to mend clothing and other textiles with visible mending.
Visible mending is creative stitchwork that can be seen and celebrated—turning your clothes and textiles into personalized art.
Mending circles offer something rare: human connection, hands-on creativity, sustainable practices, and mindful restoration.
"I didn't know how much I needed it. It felt like a giant exhale."
"So relaxing and rejuvenating"
"The perfect blend of creativity and community"
HOW CIRCLES WORK
Bring yourself.
No experience or supplies needed-we provide everything and all are welcome
Bring clothing to mend.
Bring a clean piece of clothing or any fabric item to mend or practice on upcycled fabric squares.
Learn visible mending.
We will learn hand-stitching techniques to make a sashiko thimble, stitch on a button decoratively, appliqué, embroider mend, darn, sashiko stitch, and boro patch.
Take home your piece and a mending kit.
Enjoy your new personalized clothing and some basic supplies to take home to continue your work.
Make a collective creative impact!
Each circle decides whether they want to contribute to a collective project such as a repair café, meet-the-artist event, fashion show, or communal project.
WHAT WE'LL LEARN
Appliqué mending
Embroidery mending
Patching
Sashiko stitching and boro patching
Woven visible mending (Darning)
& Sashiko stitching a palm thimble!
MEND-TOR OPEN HOUSE
Thinking about becoming a volunteer mend-tor? Come learn about assisting in community circles and try your hand at visible mending. Whether you've never threaded a needle or you've been stitching for years, you're welcome here!
Looking for more information?