Lou Tate Foundation, DBA The Little Loomhouse

The Little Loomhouse is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, community-based fiber arts education center and a Louisville Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.  It has long been a haven for female creatives, dating back to 1898 when Louisville painter Etta Hast resided there. Our Founder, Lou Tate, would later follow her lead and build the cabin complex into a thriving, inclusive, textile arts community, where she spent the last forty years of her life living outside gender norm expectations and inspiring generations of weavers.

 

As an education center, the Loomhouse is committed to nurturing textile artists and enthusiasts, of all ages through multiple programs, including classes, camps, artist residencies, internships, lectures, teaching opportunities, and exhibitions. In addition to on-site programs, the Little Loomhouse partners with community centers, libraries, schools, and other community spaces to provide fiber arts programs throughout the Louisville area and surrounding region. The Foundation serves students of all ages and cultures who want to learn about the history and practice of weaving, textiles, fiber, and folk arts. We serve over 6,800 people annually in our educational programs.

In the words of our founder, who was an exceptional textile historian, weaver, teacher, author, publisher, inventor, and visionary, "If people who are interested in folk arts don't pass it on to children, who will?" When you support The Little Loomhouse, you are ensuring we continue our mission in the education of the history of weaving and textile arts through diverse programs, residencies, and community partnerships that ensure the preservation of the Little Loomhouse cabins. Through this mission, we foster diversity, inclusivity, connection, and creative expression in our community. We invite you to join us in this mission, and thank you for your support.