Kwasi Asare’s Kente Weaving Handloom Workshop

In December 2013, Kwasi Asare created a special handloom to teach people of all ages about various aspects of Kente culture, art and design. Since then, Kwasi has organized many workshops to teach basic and advanced aspects of Kente art and design to elementary, middle school, high school and college students as well as adults and retirees. These workshops are very popular with people of all ages and backgrounds. This workshop has been a wonderful joy and blessing as it has helped Kwasi to fulfill his mission and passion to teach Kente culture and weaving to as many people as possible.

Workshop participants always enjoy seeing their own designs come to life, and working with the handloom allows for a mind-body stillness and a peaceful “Zen” meditative experience. Art can often be a welcome reprieve from the overwhelming sensory stimulation of the Internet and the ubiquitous presence of smart phones, tablets and computer screens. We believe art and creativity can help reduce anxiety and stress and enhances a feeling of emotional wellbeing and that is why Kwasi’s Kente workshop is popular with elementary, middle, high school and college students as well as adults of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.

Kwasi is interested in bringing his Kente Weaving Handloom Workshop to public, private and charter schools, as well as churches and community and cultural organizations. The workshops are 2-3 hours long, and each participant will be able to create one Kente bookmark/bracelet. The workshops can include up to 20 participants, and there are options for students or groups to purchase their own handlooms for creating their own Kente designs at home with our online video series. Kwasi is also interested in working with teachers and classrooms on his new curriculum for teaching begining algebra and geometry in his workshop. For some groups, Kwasi also includes a multimedia presentation on the history and culture of Kente cloth and its impact on African American culture and the African Diaspora.

Each workshop is custom tailored to the specific needs of the workshop participants. Please contact Kwasi directly at kwasister@gmail.com to discuss options for organizing a Kente weaving workshop for your school, church or community or cultural organization.