Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum

A Creative Haven in Clayton: The Thousand Islands Arts Center

Nestled in the heart of Clayton, New York, Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum stands as a beacon for art lovers, heritage craftspeople, and curious learners throughout the Thousand Islands region. This nonprofit educational institution has spent decades preserving traditional skills while building a vibrant community around handwoven textiles and the broader heritage arts.

Most importantly, the Arts Center operates as much more than a museum. Because it combines education, exhibition, and hands-on experience under one roof, visitors and students discover an immersive creative environment. The facility maintains a year-round arts curriculum, two dedicated studios for weaving and pottery, and a searchable permanent textile collection that spans thousands of digitized photographs.

A Rich History of Community Creativity

The journey began modestly in 1966 when the Thousand Islands Craft School opened its doors with just 44 students. Today, over 500 students enroll annually in classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Therefore, the organization’s impact has grown tremendously since those early days.

In 1990, the Arts Center earned a state museum charter—a pivotal moment recognizing its commitment to preserving heritage arts. As a result, the institution gained official standing to collect, preserve, and interpret its textile collection professionally. Between 2009 and 2010, a federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services enabled the Arts Center to digitize over 11,000 photographs, making the collection accessible worldwide through their website.

What Awaits Visitors Today

The Arts Center now offers more than 75 classes annually in diverse mediums and techniques. Besides that, visitors can explore rotating exhibitions celebrating both established and emerging artists. The center also hosts an annual weaving conference, special events, and seasonal workshops that draw participants from across the region.

Key offerings include:
– Weaving studio instruction
– Pottery classes and studio access
– Adult, teen, and children’s art courses
– Heritage arts education programs
– Juried exhibitions open to regional artists
– Access to the searchable textile collection and library

Connecting to the Thousand Islands Community

Located in Clayton—a charming village at the heart of the Thousand Islands area—the Arts Center enriches the cultural fabric of this historic region. Visitors touring the St. Lawrence River valley can pause to discover traditional crafts, contemporary artistry, and the stories woven into textile collections spanning generations.

In addition, membership opportunities allow supporters to invest directly in the Arts Center’s mission. Whether attending a class, exploring exhibitions, or participating in educational programs, guests connect with a living tradition of creativity that honors both the past and the future of heritage arts.