Anthony Folks, Teen Engagement Coordinator at the Fabric Workshop and Museum, has spent the past year bringing his passion for art and education to life in this vibrant space. Deeply inspired by African textiles and patterns, Anthony finds great value in connecting with these rich traditions to his day to day work. One of his favorite aspects of his role is the opportunity to engage with diverse learners of all ages and backgrounds, introducing them to the museum’s unique collections and creative processes. Through his work at FWM, Anthony brings fresh perspectives and hands-on experience, fostering connections that celebrate art, culture, and community.

Can you share a bit about your background and role as Teen Engagement Coordinator at FWM?
A: I’ve been in this role for a year, focusing on public-facing work and engaging with diverse learners of all ages. African textiles and patterns are a significant inspiration in my work as an artist, and I value the opportunity to represent and connect with the community.

Q: How has your partnership with CraftNOW and DesignPhiladelphia evolved, and what do you value most about it?
A: My partnership with CraftNOW began through my role at the Fabric Workshop and Museum, and it has grown through our shared focus on art education and community engagement. The most valuable aspect of these partnerships is the opportunity to be public-facing, as representation plays a key role in creating access.

Q: Why do you believe it’s important for students to have access to design, especially in textile printing?
A: Design is fundamentally about problem-solving, and it’s important for students to have the skills and confidence to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. Textile design, in particular, is something students encounter in daily life, making it a familiar yet powerful entry point into critical thinking and creativity.
 

Q: What inspired the "Block Prints: An Exploration in Textile Design" workshop, and how does it connect students to traditional techniques?
A: Block printing on textiles is a traditional way of creating patterns that is both approachable for young learners and offers a multicultural learning experience. It allows students to engage with artistic techniques they might not encounter in the home or classroom.
 

Q: What impact do you hope this hands-on experience will have on students’ creative confidence and design thinking?
A: I hope that creating a tangible object, like a printed bandana, will open students' eyes to new possibilities in creative fields. It’s about helping them see the potential for careers in areas they may not have considered before.

Q: How do you balance teaching technical skills with encouraging imagination in your workshops?
A: I balance these aspects by demonstrating techniques without dictating outcomes. I encourage trial and error, allowing students to experiment and find their own way through the process.

Q: How does this activity foster teamwork and community-building among students?
A: The workshop involves students working in smaller groups, sharing limited supplies like blocks and ink. This setup encourages them to collaborate, share ideas, and draw inspiration from each other’s work, which often leads to strong bonds and a sense of community.

Interested in volunteering with DesignPhiladelphia's Design Education program?  Please reach out to Michael Spain (michael@designphiladelphila.org), Liza Niles (liza@designphiladelphila.org), or Carly Clifford (carly@designphiladelphila.org) for more information.