The Museum That Feels Like Home: An Artist’s Bond with the Textile Museum of Canada
Joe Lewis has always been an artist at heart, and his connection to the Textile Museum of Canada has been a significant part of his creative journey. “My mother tells me I came out of the womb with a pair of scissors in one hand and a paintbrush in the other,” he says, reflecting on his lifelong passion for making. From braiding rugs as a child to becoming a professional artist, textiles have been a central part of his life.
Joe first discovered the Textile Museum when it was located on Markham Street. He was immediately struck by its welcoming atmosphere. “I thought I was going to Joyce Whelan’s studio,” he recalls, “but I stumbled into the museum instead and met Simon, who was just so personable.” That serendipitous visit opened a new world for Joe. When the museum moved to Centre St, he became a regular in the museum’s library, immersing himself in its vast collection of textile knowledge.
The museum became a place where Joe could share his passion for weaving and textiles with others. He began volunteering in the Fibrespace, now Learning Hub, first demonstrating backstrap weaving, then other techniques relating to works on display or in the collection every Wednesday. “I’ve been doing this since 2015,” he says. “Every week, I weave and show people how these techniques connect to pieces in the collection or exhibitions.” The hands-on environment of the Learning Hub allowed him to share his knowledge with visitors in a unique and personal way.
For Joe, the Textile Museum isn’t just a place to admire textiles —it’s where textiles and their histories become alive. “It’s like going home,” he explains. “You see ordinary things, like a rag rug at the front door or the upholstery on the couch, but suddenly they’re in a museum context, and you realize how important they are.” This profound appreciation for textiles’ everyday beauty keeps Joe returning week after week.
Joe’s story underscores the museum’s vital role in preserving global textile heritage. It’s a place where people can learn, explore, and be inspired. “People really, really need to support the Textile Museum,” Joe emphasizes. “It is necessary to the cultural life of not only the city, but the nation .”
