Irene is a local fiber artist. “I grew up in Montclair, NJ, but spent summers in Penn Yan with my dad’s side of the family, or in Switzerland with my mom’s side! Penn Yan always felt like a second home to me, so I was thrilled when I was able to move here in 2021.” Irene’s educational background is in Family & Child Studies, with a Masters in School Counseling. She worked with children, families, and schools for over 10 years but a reduction in force last year offered “an opportunity to choose something that was more in alignment with my joy.”

“My Swiss grandmother taught me how to knit when I was 16 and I immediately fell in love with the art form,” says Irene. “Picking out the different colors and textures, counting stitches, creating something with my hands– I loved every part of the process. I thought, “If I could do this for a living I would be in heaven!” Thus, “Worthy Fibers” was born.

Irene’s first year in business (including participation in the Keuka Arts Festival) was a learning experience. “One of my biggest challenges has been managing my free time (I know my fellow creatives can relate!),” says Irene. “I realized I needed more structure in order to be fully effective in my business.

In the “interesting to know” category, Irene says “I am a Pisces, I love being in water, I love touching moss and climbing trees, and I am a huge cat person. My cat’s name is Sampson!”

Irene is the Workshops & Events Coordinator at the Arts Center. Stop by and say “Hi” and sign up for a class or offer suggestions for workshops, instructors and events! And look for her again at the Keuka Arts Festival.

Upcoming classes in 2025 include:

Creative Knitting with Irene Worth May 20

Crocheting “Fidget toys” for Charity with Irene Worth May 28

Crochet Coasters with Irene Worth June 24