The property was purchased in 1955 to provide camping and recreational opportunities for residents of The Cedars. After the roads and infrastructure were developed, it opened in 1964 featuring a residential lodge, stables, and workshops. In 1981, Connie Pelassero piloted a 2-day per week program involving weaving, gardening and animal husbandry.

Today, three different day programs operate on The Cedars’ ranch property that provide opportunities for participants to explore the full lifecycle of textile arts — from the care of sheep through the creation of fine woven goods. Individuals learn to understand and appreciate their environment, whether they’re working in our organic gardens, taking leisurely nature walks, or viewing wild creatures in their natural habitat.

The Textile Art Center Day Program
Provides individuals the chance to develop and maintain life skills and positive work habits. Participants choose and design their own curriculum from among three primary program components: gardening/horticulture, animal husbandry, and textile handcraft. We also offer cooking nutrition classes, functional academics courses, and a music program.

Gardening/Horticulture Component
Gardeners spend their time maintaining and expanding the various gardens located on the ranch property. Responsibilities range from planting seeds, seed starts, vegetable and flower plants to harvesting natural dye materials and herbs. Natural fibers and potpourri are gathered and utilized by the weavers. Gardens that showcase fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, dye plants and natural fibers are presently located in three areas. A greenhouse provides the space for seedlings to grow and mature to be planted in the larger gardens.

Animal Husbandry Component
A small flock of sheep and goats graze in the pasture area of the TAC. Individuals learn basic animal husbandry and the process of preparing and spinning the fleece. They also care for registered angora rabbits that supply us with natural fibers. The Animal Husbandry Program houses examples of natural fibers from sheep, mohair goats, angora rabbits, and silk worms that provide us with great opportunities for teaching local school children about the lifecycle of textile arts.

Fiber Arts, Crafts, & Music Component
In the Weavers’ Barn, participants work on table, tapestry and floor looms and explore a variety of textile painting techniques including tie dye, batiking, canvas, silk, and velvet painting. The program includes a variety of arts and crafts and table games along with music enrichment using voices, percussion and guitar.

The Work Services Program
This program provides individuals the opportunity to earn money utilizing their skills. Master weavers work on a selection of counterbalanced, jack, tapestry, inkle, and rigid heddle looms in the Michele Ritter Textile Art Center, creating fine goods that are sold in our store, The Cedarchest. Others work on gardening and grounds maintenance crews at various job sites throughout Marin County.

The Senior Program
This program helps older adults maintain the highest level of independence and self-sufficiency. Emphasis is placed on keeping the aging body healthy and agile with structured daily exercise programs, some of which take place at the local community college. Participants plan field trips to museums, parks, and local events and activities throughout the greater Bay Area and are engaged in the arts, gardening, homemaking, interactive games, crafts, and music.