Reclaiming Therapeutic Craft From the Institutional Gaze by Pheonix Booth

Friday February 13th 2pm Interdisciplinary Science Building (IS) room 244 Hybrid event

Disability and craft became intertwined

at the turn of the twentieth century, when practices of making were taken up within American medical institutions. Focusing on two U.S. sanatoria, this historical project develops the new analytic category of therapeutic craft as a way of naming how making functioned simultaneously as care and control, shaping who was seen as improvable, manageable, or worthy of attention. The presentation then turns to the question of reclaiming therapeutic craft from the institutional gaze. If craft has been used historically to observe, regulate, and manage bodies, it has also been taken up by people as a way of caring for themselves and one another. We will hold these histories together while opening space to imagine how making might function outside institutional authority. After a short presentation and discussion, participants are invited to stay and make together in a choose-your-own-adventure craft session. Bring a project, learn rigid heddle weaving, or explore fidget-craft stations. You are also invited to craft from home through our Zoom room. All skill levels are welcome. Participation is not required, you're welcome in any way you want to show up.

If you will be joining us in-person, IS 244 is a room with ground floor access, and just down the hall from a water fountain and accessible gender-neutral restrooms. This event is free!

contact boothm3@wwu.edu with any questions or accommodation needs