Our Vision

Tear Cap Workshops is a non-profit, educational organization that aims to connect people to the historical and environmental roots of craft practice in Maine. Western Maine in particular has been a leader in woodworking, carpentry, basketmaking and fiber arts like weaving, hand-dyeing and quilting as well as fiber production. We want to nurture connections between experienced artisans and beginning students, between artisans of different disciplines, and between generations. It is our goal to build a craft community open to anyone with a desire to learn. The name Tear Cap comes from the mountain peak that rises to the north above our facility, although some local folks insist it comes from a famous 18th century fight between two Puritan ladies wearing traditional caps.

In a region that is primarily rural with few industries and businesses, Tear Cap Workshops serves as a creative hub. Many of our students have gone on to become full or part-time artisans, participating in craft shows, selling their creations online, and branching out into other art disciplines. Beyond this, we envision Tear Cap Workshops as a welcoming place to meet other people interested in creative pursuits; we draw students from our local communities in and around Hiram, but also from Portland, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional by hand. At a time when tech fatigue affects young as well as old, and more of daily life is dependent on AI, engaging in hands-on making is a powerful and therapeutic activity.

Click here to read about how engaging in crafts improves mental health. https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/15/health/arts-and-crafts-increase-mental-health-wellness/index.html