The Southwest Women's Fiber Arts Collective (SWFAC) is collaborating with the Bayard and Silver City Public Libraries with four outreach activities for youth. Silver City Public Library programs will be held on July 7, 8 and 9th with the Bayard Public Library program on July 21, 2026. All programs are from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Sharing fiber art skills with youth is not only part of SWFAC's mission but empowers youth with skills. According to Scholastic.com, crafting helps build fine motor skills, boosts counting and pattern recognition, encourages critical thinking, builds resilience, supports self-esteem, encourages a creative mindset, and develops patience.
At the Silver City Public Library on Tuesday, July 7, youth can make a basket. On Wednesday July 8, will be pinata making, and Thursday, July 9, youth can learn to sew and embroider on cards made at the Future Forge.
On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, card loom weaving will be taught at the Bayard Public Library. Participants will receive a "kit" to keep containing a wood loom, plastic needle and yarn to complete a weaving. Additional yarn will be available to take home along with the kit. The looms were made at the Future Forge Makerspace.
For more information about the Bayard Public Library and the program, please visit the www.bayardpubliclibrary.org or call (575) 537-6244 or email Renee at
Members of SWFAC make many types of fiber art encompassing the manual manipulation of a variety of fibers by weaving, knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, basket making, and paper making to name a few of the techniques.
SWFAC was founded in 2005 and is a local, all volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the economic development goal to stimulate and support successful cottage industry in the southwest. Both novice and skilled SWFAC artists enrich the community by nurturing and empowering one another fostering opportunities to gain new experience, expand talent and earn income from their art. Please visit SWFAC's website at www.fiberartscollective.org to learn more about the organization.
Pictured are Weaving kit and example of weaving that can be woven, baskets, pinata and sewing and embroidery cards.
