Classes/Workshops

• New Dates posted for tapestry workshops for 2026.
• During the year, Joan teaches beginning and intermediate tapestry workshops in her Charlottesville,VA studio. She offers both individual instruction as well as small group weekend workshops. All supplies are provided including the use of a loom for the Beginning Tapestry Workshop. The intermediate student can use their loom  or can rent one from me..

Tapestry Weaving: Beginning Tapestry Workshop….  I schedule my workshops in my tapestry studio over 2 consecutive days. After many years of weaving and teaching , I think it is important to have a good foundation in the basics of tapestry weaving so that a student can then move on to a more personal expression using the techniques they have learned.  The classes are held in a friendly, learning atmosphere in my studio in order to see a working studio. Students  have access to a large library of tapestry books, different kinds of yarns and looms so they have ideas about what they would like for their own practice.

The 2 day class  concentrates on the basic techniques of tapestry weaving on a portable loom. During the 12 hours of instruction, we cover the basics of tapestry weaving such as warping the loom, finishing and various design shaping techniques. Tapestry weaving is a unique , timeless technique but can be adapted in a multitude of colorful ways to the challenges of contemporary designs. Each student will take home a  tapestry sampler they completed during the weekend for future reference. Check out the dates listed below. Classes are 9:30-3:30 on Sat. and  Sunday. $250 for both days and all supplies included.Fee includes a tapestry frame loom students can keep. No previous tapestry experience is necessary. For those from out of town there are many nearby motels available. The photo on the right is from the second day of a beginning student’s work. Please register in advance since the classes are very small.( max 4 students)  a deposit of $100 is needed to reserve your space. contact me via email below.

For more information contact Joan Griffin. or joangriffintapestry at gmail.com  .. (substitute @ for at)

2026 Class Schedule: Beginning Tapestry Workshops

*I will be offering  2 day tapestry workshops beginning in April 2026  max students 4.  . Email me to be put on notification list or if you wish other opportunities to study elsewhere.

2026 schedule: all dates are a Saturday and Sunday. 10-4.

April 11 and 12

June 6 and 7

August 1 and2

What students have said about the tapestry workshops:

“The workshop was amazing! And I do plan to continue on this weaving journey. Thank you for letting me learn in your studio. I am humbled by your knowledge and the way you opened your studio to us.”…Lynn B.

“Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed my class. It was very kind of you to explain everything so patiently”..Deborah B.

“Thank you for your class. We all enjoyed it and learned a lot. You are a very sharing person”….Carol B.

“Thanks for a wonderful class. I feel like I learned so much. Thanks again for your patience and insight.”..Liz A.

“Had  a wonderful time and learned so much”…Molly R.

“Thank you for a great weaving workshop. I most enjoyed learning how you transform a vision of what to weave from an idea.”..Eva C.

“Thank you so much for providing  a wonderful class”..Kay S.

Thank you for an amazing tapestry fundamentals workshop. I left feeling confident enough to move forward and make lots of mistakes and grow!..Jeff T.

Thank you for a great class! I leaned so much and am inspired to find more time to weave…Amy B.

Just a brief note to say thank you so much for leading such an informative tapestry workshop. I discovered much about design and technique which will prove very helpful…Cathie S.