Empowering Artisans: The Journey of Judy Frater in Kutch’s Textile Heritage

Vernick Auditorium

Judy Frater is a pioneering social entrepreneur whose work has transformed the lives and livelihoods of textile artisans in Kutch, India. In 2005, she founded Kala Raksha Vidhyalaya, the first design school created specifically for traditional artisans—an internationally recognized model that reimagined how craft traditions can thrive in the contemporary marketplace.

At this special event, Frater will present an illustrated talk inspired by her new book, Artisans by Design: An Odyssey of Education for Textile Artisans in India. The book traces her groundbreaking collaboration with artisans in Kutch, a region of Gujarat celebrated for its extraordinary textile heritage, and offers a compelling vision of tradition, innovation, and cultural sustainability. The lecture will be followed by a book signing.

A Fulbright Scholar and Ford and Ashoka Foundation Fellow, Frater brings more than 35 years of hands-on experience working with artisans around the world. Her career has been devoted to empowering craftspeople and preserving cultural heritage, including her role as Associate Curator of the Eastern Hemisphere Collections at The Textile Museum in Washington, DC.

This is a free event. All participants must be current members of FOFA. A Single membership allows access to one ticket. A Dual membership allows for two tickets. For details on how to become a FOFA member click here. For questions, please email friendsoffolkart@gmail.com.