Join Living Threads Co., hosted by The George Washington University, as we engage in a panel discussion about the importance of the global artisan economy, the preservation of traditional artisan crafts, and the value of sustainable production.

Panelists

AMANDA ZEHNER |  Founder of Living Threads Co.

Amanda Zehner founded Living Threads Co. in 2014 with a mission to do good through small business, supporting artisans while directly connecting consumers with the women and men who weave. Through her work in the non-profit sector over the past 10 years, Amanda has been privileged to learn from and develop relationships with the amazing people that make up what is today our Living Threads Co. Amanda not only fell in love with the vibrant textiles that these groups create, but also with their stories, culture and the opportunity to empower them through the support of their work and businesses. Today Amanda travels the world building and sustaining these relationships through partnerships, training, microcredit, and investments in the Living Threads Co. community.

AMANDA FLAYER |  Co-Founder of La Puerta Abierta Learning Center |  Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala

Amanda taught bilingual elementary education in Oakland, California. She  graduated from UC Berkeley with a focus in education and Spanish. Amanda arrived in Guatemala in 2003 as a Peace Corps volunteer.  While she never imagined that she would be planting her roots in rural Guatemala, she couldn’t be happier living in a colorful rural village with her husband, two rambunctious daughters and equally rambunctious dogs.  Amanda is Founder and Co-Director of La Puerta Abierta, a local center dedicated to early childhood education and primary school, where she spear headed the formation of the Mother’s Artisan Group, a partner of Living Thread Co.  She also coordinates all staff and programs in Guatemala for The Sparks Foundation.  Amanda feels fortunate to have work that is creative, meaningful, and keeps her connected to the playful spirit of children.       

ANA MESIA |  Artisan & Early Education Support Staff | La Puerta Abierta

Ana Mesia from Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala is a Living Threads Co. partner artisan through the Puerta Abierta Learning Center.  Ana is a teacher, a mother of two young children, and currently enrolled in university courses at the Universidad Panamericana de Guatemala.  Ana self identifies as indigenous Maya and learned to embroider and weave on a traditional backstrap loom as a young child.  Today Ana is an expert in her hand craft of embroidery, passionate about education, and a valued partner, educator and artist.

Time: 5-7pm
Location: Funger Hall, Room 103
2201 G Street NW Washington, DC 20052
Partners: The George Washington University Sustainability Department and Puerta Abierta Atitlán

Join us Tuesday, January 29th,2019 for Conversation, Creativity & Culture, co-hosted by the National Museum of Women in the Arts and in partnership with La Puerta Abierta Atitlan. We will be welcoming our partner artisan Ana Mesia, from Guatemala as she demonstrates her craft, the backstrap loom. Take part in an embroidery workshop, learn about traditional Guatemalan designs, and join the conversation about the importance of the artisan economy. Come and get to know Living Threads Co.'s Global Artisan Exchange Program and support women in the arts and social change! Stay tuned for additional events! Partners: National Museum of Women in the Arts, George Washington University, La Puerta Abierta

Come by Solace Brewery for last minute shopping! Sip on Solace's new Double Dope DIPA or an old favorite like the Barrel Aged Manhunt stout while shopping our artisanal on-of-a-kind  handwoven gifts from scarves, to pillows and throws.  Give a gift this holiday season that has a story of impact and makes a real difference on the lives of our partner artisans around the globe. 

Come out and support small local DC business while getting your Holiday gift shopping done! Unique hand woven textiles with a soul and a story. 

The DACHA Annual Holiday Market is back! Join us Tuesday, December 12th with other great local brands and DC creatives for your holiday shopping! 

Come by the new Takoma Park Yoga Heights studio to shop unique goods while you support small DC business and creatives!

Don't miss Living Threads Co. and our artisanal home textiles and scarves at Dacha Beer Garden's Oktoberfest Market, this Thursday 4 - 10pm.  Market will include over 16 local D.C. vendors, Wiehenstephaner's Oktoberfest beer and a raffle for custom Dacha Oktoberfest swag! See you there!