Please Join Us! On Thursday, February 25th at 6pm, the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is sponsoring a popup show in their art gallery at 10th and Mission to honor and celebrate the women of the Shelter Knitting Circle and will be featuring their work.

The Shelter Knitting Circle is a weekly event at ECS’s Sanctuary Shelter that teaches and supports the practice of knitting and crocheting. Meeting every Thursday afternoon, the program builds community and encourages creative practices to help shelter residents get through the challenges of day to day shelter life. These include diversion from the difficulties of homelessness and shelter living, alleviating boredom and benefitting clients therapeutically who are dealing with stroke, arthritis and other physical issues. CIIS graduate student, Katie Richardson, began the Shelter Knitting Circle with an idea inspired and realized in her Art and Social Justice class. The instructors, Deirdre Visser and Anne Bluethenthal were instrumental in the conceptualization, support and navigation of the project, which continues to generate support and enthusiasm with the residents and staff of the Sanctuary.