Aizome Studio | Suzanne Connors
Aizome Studio | Suzanne Connors is the next evolution of my journey as a fiber artist, indigo dyer, and educator. Building on the success of Aya Fiber Studio in Stuart, Florida, Aizome Studio focuses on Japanese indigo dyeing (aizome), shibori, katazome, and surface design taught with authenticity and respect for tradition. Through small-group workshops, artist residencies, and international textile retreats, I share techniques rooted in culture and chemistry—bridging ancient craft with modern creativity for artists seeking meaningful connection through cloth, color, and community.
🩵 About Suzanne Connors | Artist • Educator • Arts Leader
Suzanne Connors is a fiber artist, educator, and arts administrator known for her work in indigo, shibori, and surface design.
She is the Founder and Director of Aya Fiber Studio in Stuart, Florida — a nationally recognized destination for fiber art workshops and creative retreats — and the visionary behind Aizome Studio, her personal practice and evolving brand dedicated to Japanese textile traditions.
Suzanne’s passion extends beyond her own studio practice to arts leadership and community building. She is the Founder and current President of the South Florida Surface Design Association, the Founder and past President of the Martin Artisans Guild, and the Founder of the Martin County Open Studio Tour, now celebrating its ninth year connecting artists and the public through an annual self-guided tour of working studios.
Her dedication to advancing textile arts education and community collaboration has been recognized with the Marties Award from the Martin Arts Council for outstanding contribution to the arts. Suzanne has also served on the Board of Directors for Silk Painters International (SPIN), a national 501(c)(3) organization supporting artists, educators, and exhibitions in silk and surface design.
Suzanne has taught nationally at institutions including Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts (Gatlinburg, TN), Appalachian Center for Craft (Smithville, TN), River Ridge Retreat Center (Menominee, WI), Carrboro ArtsCenter (Carrboro, NC), Olive’s Porch (John C. Campbell Folk School outreach center, Murphy, NC), Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (Palm Beach County, FL), Foosaner Art Museum (Melbourne, FL), Lighthouse ArtCenter (Tequesta, FL), and her own Aya Fiber Studio locations in Stuart, FL and Murphy, NC.
Before establishing Aya Fiber Studio, Suzanne owned and curated contemporary art galleries in North Carolina and Florida, where she organized exhibitions, represented artists, and built community-centered art events. Her earlier career as a construction project manager refined her skills in organization, logistics, and spatial design — experience she now brings to the thoughtful creation of studios, workshops, and creative environments that foster focus and connection.
Today, Suzanne continues to teach, consult, and collaborate with artists and arts organizations across the U.S., developing sustainable models for education, exhibition, and creative community. Through Aizome Studio, she continues to explore the art and philosophy of Japanese textiles, sharing her passion for process, craftsmanship, and the indigo tradition.
🌿 Signature Techniques & Teaching Focus
Suzanne’s work and teaching emphasize the intersection of tradition, technique, and mindfulness. She guides artists to explore the dialogue between craft and culture—celebrating both the discipline and freedom found in handwork. Her workshops focus on hands-on experimentation, thoughtful process, and respect for natural materials.
Areas of Specialization:
Japanese Indigo Dyeing (Aizome): Traditional vat processes, fermentation methods, and dye chemistry
Shibori: Folding, stitching, binding, and arashi techniques for resist patterning
Katazome: Japanese paste-resist stencil dyeing using natural pigments
Eco-Printing & Botanical Dyeing: Layering natural color through plants, tannins, and mordants
Surface Design & Mixed Media: Integrating hand-dyed textiles into modern fiber art and design applications
🌸 Teaching, Workshops & Retreats
Through Aya Fiber Studio in Stuart, Florida — and through her traveling platform, Aizome Studio | Suzanne Connors — Suzanne offers immersive textile workshops, residency-style intensives, and destination retreats rooted in tradition, process, and creative rigor.
Her teaching focuses on indigo dyeing (aizome), shibori, katazome, eco-printing, and surface design, with an emphasis on cultural respect, technique, and repeatable practice. Classes are intentionally small, allowing for hands-on guidance, studio access to professional dye and print equipment, and time to develop personal voice in cloth.
Suzanne has taught and led fiber art programs at respected art centers, museums, and craft schools across the country, including:
Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts – Gatlinburg, TN
Appalachian Center for Craft – Smithville, TN (returning summer 2025)
Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance- Chamblee, Ga (Upcoming Summer 2025)
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association – Blue Ridge, GA (Returning 2025)
Carrboro ArtsCenter – Carrboro, NC
Foosaner Art Museum – Melbourne, FL
Lighthouse ArtCenter – Tequesta, FL
Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens – Palm Beach County, FL
MISA – Madeline Island School of the Arts – La Pointe, WI (Upcoming 2025)
Olive’s Porch (John C. Campbell Folk School Outreach Center) – Murphy, NC
River Ridge Retreat Center – Menominee, WI
Sanborn Mills Farm – Loudon, NH (Upcoming 2025)
Aya Fiber Studio – Stuart, FL & Murphy, NC
In addition to on-site instruction, Suzanne leads small-group textile retreats and study experiences in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge region and in Japan, where artists explore aizome, shibori, katazome, papermaking, and traditional dye culture directly at the source.
“My goal is to give students authentic technique, deep context, and the confidence to keep creating long after they leave the studio.” — Suzanne Connors
📰 Press & Recognition
Suzanne Connors is widely recognized for her contributions to contemporary fiber art, indigo practice, and education in traditional Japanese textile processes.
She is the Founder and President of the South Florida Surface Design Association (SFSDA), and served on the committee for Uncommon Threads, an exhibition supporting innovative surface design and contemporary fiber work in the region.
She is the Founder and past President of the Martin Artisans Guild (2014–2019), an arts organization in Martin County, Florida dedicated to promoting working artists through exhibitions, studio tours, education, and public programming.
Founder, Martin County Open Studio Tour — now celebrating its 9th year, connecting artists and audiences through an annual public studio event.
Former Board Member, Silk Painters International (SPIN) — a national 501(c)(3) dedicated to the advancement of silk painting and surface design.
A recipient of the Marties Award from MartinArts Council for outstanding contribution to the arts, Suzanne is also a sought-after national instructor, having taught at leading craft schools, museums, and art centers across the country
She has been featured in national and regional arts media, including:
Fiber Art Now magazine (January 2023)
Fiber Talk with Gary Parr (September 2025)
Canvas Rebel (September 2025)
VoyageMIA (November 2025)
Artsy Shark (2012 profile and feature)
Create Whimsy Artist Spotlight (2024)
Stuart Magazine (January 2021)
Her work and curatorial involvement have appeared in exhibitions throughout Martin County, Florida, and with the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Before founding Aya Fiber Studio and Aizome Studio, Suzanne owned and directed two fine art galleries:
Sax Art Gallery in Saxapahaw, North Carolina
Suzanne Connors Fine Art in Northwood Village, Florida (2010–2013)
where she represented and promoted emerging and established artists.
Today, through Aya Fiber Studio and Aizome Studio | Suzanne Connors, she continues to build platforms for serious textile study — connecting artists, tradition-bearers, and students through workshops, retreats, and cultural exchange.
Vision
“My goal has always been to create spaces where artists can work fearlessly — where the studio becomes a place of discovery, generosity, and flow. Whether through teaching, curating, or consulting, I hope to continue expanding that circle of creativity and connection.”
I’m also honored to be featured in Create Whimsy’s Artist Spotlight Series.
In this interview, I share insights into my artistic journey—how I’ve navigated challenges, cultivated a creative practice, and continued to evolve as both an artist and educator.
Opportunities like this remind me of the importance of celebrating the creative process, sharing knowledge, and fostering community through the arts.
You can read the full interview here: https://createwhimsy.com/projects/spotlight-suzanne-connors-textile-artist/
#ArtistSpotlight #CreativeLeadership #TextileArt #FiberArt #ArtCommunity #LifelongLearning #ContemporaryTextiles
🎨 Artist Statement | Suzanne Connors
“My name is Suzanne Connors, and I am a fiber artist, designer, and educator dedicated to the timeless craft of textile art. While I’ve explored many creative media over the years, I always return to fiber — drawn to its texture, tactility, and its power to connect art, craft, and culture.
My work reflects my life in South Florida and my years spent in the Caribbean, where the rhythm of the sea, the glow of the setting sun, and the deep indigo blues of the sky and ocean continually inspire my palette. I am captivated by the element of surprise in shibori and indigo dyeing — the transformation that happens when cloth meets dye, and pattern emerges through process and chance.
Each piece I create is a study in color, texture, and transformation — a reflection of my belief that creativity, like life, is full of beautiful imperfection. I see every “mistake” as an opportunity for discovery and growth. That philosophy shapes both my art and my teaching: embracing experimentation, honoring tradition, and finding joy in the unexpected.
Every textile I make is a one-of-a-kind original, layered with process, patience, and the quiet magic of indigo.”
Contact & Collaborations
For workshop bookings, teaching invitations, residencies, or partnership inquiries, contact Suzanne directly.
suzanne@ayafiberstudio.com
Suzanne Connors joins Gary Parr from Fiber Talk to explore shibori, natural indigo, and building community at Aya Fiber Studio. Listen and see upcoming workshops.
“Suzanne Connors demonstrating traditional Japanese indigo dyeing (aizome) during a shibori workshop at Aya Fiber Studio in Stuart, Florida”
Featured work by Suzanne Connors
Explore the featured works of Suzanne Connors, fiber artist and indigo specialist based in Stuart, Florida. Each hand-dyed textile reflects her mastery of shibori, katazome, and Japanese indigo dyeing (aizome)—techniques that merge traditional craft with modern surface design. Created at Aya Fiber Studio, these pieces celebrate color, texture, and the beauty of imperfection.
Follow me on Instagram @ayafiberstudio/ for behind the scenes and more about my process
Professional Affiliations:
