Esther Traugot

Beyond Tea Cozies: Crochet Innovations

August 9 - 14, 2026

Intermediate

Textiles, Fibers

Overview

This workshop is an exploration of the innovative, sculptural possibilities within crochet, moving far beyond traditional forms. Students will delve into the craft by stitching directly onto natural objects and witnessing their transformation. Participants will be introduced to a variety of techniques designed to conform to natural changes in shape, accommodate extensions and tight corners, and leave open spaces. Essential materials will include yarn, a crochet hook, and natural items such as twigs, stones, and shells. Guided throughout the process, students will integrate these materials into form-fitting creations that breathe new life into familiar objects, elevating them into unique artistic statements. By the end of the workshop, students can expect to take home a few small finished pieces or work samples. A basic understanding of crochet is recommended.

Course Fee : $760.00

Scholarships & Material Fees

Need help covering workshop costs? Arrowmont offers financial aid opportunities to broaden access to our arts and craft programs. We believe a diverse community enriches the learning experience for all.

Material fees are not included in our national workshop costs, but are included with the cost of our winter short workshops. A material list with estimated costs will be emailed about 30 days before the national workshop begins.

TUITION & FEES

SCHOLARSHIPS

Cost Breakdown

Registration Fee

$50.00

One Week Workshop Tuition

$760.00

Estimated Cost*
*Fees exclude housing and meal plans

$810.00

VIEW HOUSING & MEAL PLAN COSTS

Artist Bio

Esther Traugot

Esther Traugot is an artist based in Northern California known for her unique installations that feature crocheted wrappings with hand-dyed golden yarns around and within found natural objects. Drawn to the concept of repairing with gold, her work aims to make these objects whole again, eliciting both a vibrant warmth and intimacy. She received her BFA from the University of California, Berkeley in 2005 and her MFA from Mills College in 2009. Traugot has shown extensively in solo and group exhibitions in the United States and abroad, with her work exhibited in the Bay Area, L.A., New York, Paris, and Columbia at venues such as the Berkeley Art Center, El Paso Museum of Art, and the Paris Art Fair. She is represented by Muriel Guepin Gallery in NY and Chandra Cerrito Art Advisors in the Bay Area, CA.

Artist Website

Explore the Textiles Studio

Located on the second floor of the Turner Building, the Textile Studio looks out over a sunny hill towards the Wood Building and downtown Gatlinburg. A bright and spacious space equipped for all things fabric and textiles, the workshop rotation in this space is as diverse and wide-reaching as the students and artists that populate our campus. A peaceful atmosphere with intimate corners for quiet sewing and contemplation give way to joy and laughter when the room is filled with the repetitive whir of the sewing machine or the plop of a freshly dipped garment in a vat of dye.

Explore the Textiles Studio