Weaving Dreams and Preserving Traditions in Voskevan
Updated: 2 days ago
“Even though I’m sometimes tired after school, I’m always happy to come here,” says Nare Ghazinyan, a sixth-grade student who has been attending the carpet-weaving club since it first opened. She loves drawing patterns, choosing colors and threads, and has already made her first wallet. Although she has not yet had the chance to weave a bag, it is one of the things she hopes to make.
Nare is one of around 15 children attending the carpet-weaving club at the Voskevan Culture House in Tavush Province. For nearly three years, the club has been supported by the Fund for Armenian Relief. Established in 2023, it introduces children to the traditional art of carpet and rug weaving while helping them develop their creativity and practical skills.
The children also regularly take part in exhibitions and sales, both in Tavush and beyond the region, where they independently present and sell their handmade creations.
Under the guidance of 26-year-old instructor Arina Davtyan, the children learn to create not only carpets and rugs but also bags, wallets, hats, souvenirs, and other practical items.
Arina first became involved in this art form during her university years at the Ijevan Branch of Yerevan State University, where she studied Applied Arts. She later taught in Koti village and now shares her knowledge and passion for the craft with the children of Voskevan.
“The most important things in this work are love for children and patience. We have a very warm connection with them, and that is the key to everything,” says Arina.
Eight-year-old Astghik is among the youngest members of the club. She is currently learning to draw patterns and is looking forward to moving on to working with threads.
“I asked my mother to bring me here. For now, I’m learning how to draw patterns, and soon I’ll be able to work with threads. I want to weave a bag for myself,” she says.
For some of the children, the experience goes beyond learning a traditional craft. Several are already considering fashion design as a future career, showing how an early interest in handmade art can grow into professional aspirations.
Through every pattern they draw and every thread they weave, these children are not only developing new skills and discovering their creative potential but also helping keep a valuable Armenian tradition alive.
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