Looking for a way to bring people together to create a culture of creativity, repair, and community? At Art on the Mend, we bring visible mending circles to you. Hosting partners provide the space and funding. We do the rest!
To host a mending circle, read this program overview then fill out the form at the bottom.
Program overview
Duration: 2 hours
Group size: Up to 15 people is ideal. Larger groups can be accommodated with additional Mend-tor support.
Cost: Each mending circle session is $20 per person, with a $250 minimum per event. We’re happy to offer discounted rates for larger groups—please contact us to learn more.
Your support helps cover essential costs, including mending supplies, liability insurance, and our website. It also contributes to our ongoing efforts to establish Art on the Mend as a nonprofit organization, allowing us to offer future programs free of charge to participants.
Frequency: One-time circle or a series of up to six sessions, ideally weekly.
Program description
At our community visible mending circles, participants bring clothing and other textile objects (like canvas shoes or bags) in need of mending. Any textile items with stains, holes, tears, moth holes, or worn areas are perfect for visible mending. We gather together, introduce ourselves, and share the stories behind our clothing.
Lead Mend-tor Alison Davis-Holland shares skills for visible mending – where the mend is seen and celebrated. We teach sashiko stitching, patching, needle felting, embroidery mending, and several types of darning.
Participants leave with repaired clothing, new skills, and a renewed sense of community.
What people say
“There’s a big sense of accomplishment when you can mend things that are good enough to actually keep on wearing!”
“Having the circle has been great as someone in their later twenties trying to make new friends outside of work.”
“I come away with new friends, new ideas, fixed clothing and a growing passion for the art of mending.”
“Great to be with creative people who share ideas – it’s brought out some creativity I didn’t know I had.”
“Attending Art on the Mend circles have really brightened my life.”
“My husband says I always come home in a good mood and very happy after our meet-ups – the group sparks joy!”
“I recently found myself with time to tackle these projects as I undergo a life transition and this circle provides me with community while I figure out next steps in a healthy way and I get to mend my clothes. Win-win!”
“The approach (group-focused instruction and community-generating) of Art on the Mend is very supportive and encouraging, so that it feels easy to continue making progress at home.”
“The circle is friendly and welcoming. Not only do we share our projects that we are working on but parts of our lives.”
What we provide
Art on the Mend provides:
- Alison Davis-Holland as the Lead Mend-tor teaching skills and leading the circle
- Skilled Mend-tors to assist
- All tools and materials needed for visible mending, including upcycled textiles, threads, needles, and specialty tools
- Real examples of clothing that we have visibly mended
- Instructional slide decks or hard-copy visuals
- Illustrated instructions for participants to take home.
What hosts provide
Space: The hosting organization provides a quiet space with table and chairs. A computer or wall screen is helpful for some programs.
Funding: To minimize barriers to entry, the hosting organization funds the program (see fees above), so it will be free to attendees. Hosts are responsible for purchasing any mending supplies that they would like participants to be able to take home.
Why host a circle
Community mending circles are good for your body, brain, community, and the planet. They improve community engagement, sustainability, mental and physical health, and creativity.
Read more about Why Mending Circles Matter.
Who can host
Anyone with space for creating community! Mending circles are well-suited for organizations whose missions include art, wellness, sustainability, community building, or lifelong learning. This can include:
- Arts & cultural organizations
- Wellness & healthcare programs
- Schools & universities
- Community spaces like libraries and community centers
Apply to host a circle
Ready to get started? Let us craft a mending circle for your community. We will help you host an unforgettable creative and connective experience with lasting impacts.
Our hosting partners include:
Art on the Mend 