HSF Announces Artisan Spotlight Series Spring Schedule, Featuring Fermentation, Needle Felting & Bead Embroidery Workshops

Austin Hill, Carol Day, and Sue Adler

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAVANNAH, Ga. (Feb. 16, 2026) – Historic Savannah Foundation and the Davenport House Museum are pleased to announce hands-on, creative spring workshops as part of the 2026 Artisan Spotlight Series at the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy, located at 323 E. Broughton St. in Savannah, Ga. The Artisan Spotlight Series, which originally launched in 2024, offers engaging, immersive workshops, providing a dynamic platform for artists and artisans to share their creative processes with local residents and visitors.

“Through our latest Artisan Spotlight Series line-up, we hope to create community and introduce residents and visitors to different forms of artistic expression, some of which date back to ancient times,” said Davenport House Museum Executive Director Danielle Hodes, who organizes the Artisan Spotlight Series. “From vegetable fermentation to needle felting and bead embroidery, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

This spring, the Artisan Spotlight Series will feature the following interactive workshops for all skill levels:

 

FERMENTATION WORKSHOP WITH PEOPLE’S PROBIOTICS
Sunday, March 22 | 1 to 3 p.m.
$65/person | $60/person for HSF members

Explore the craft and history of vegetable fermentation, a natural process in which microorganisms break down sugars to create new foods. The hands-on workshop will be led by Erin Schafranek, the founder of People’s Probiotics, a local business dedicated to building community, preserving traditions and empowering people to take charge of their wellness one batch at a time. Designed for beginners and curious cooks alike, the workshop offers a relaxed, interactive environment with guided instruction, delicious tastings and time for questions. Participants will learn foundational fermentation techniques and create a jar of probiotic-rich fermented vegetables to take home. Additional jars of freshly fermented vegetables can be made for an added cost. All materials will be provided, though participants are asked to bring a sharp knife.

SPRING NEEDLE FELTING WORKSHOP WITH LUCY BROTMAN
Saturday, April 4 | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
$35/person | $30/person for HSF members

Celebrate spring with a needle felting workshop at the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy. Local artist Lucy Brotman will host an introductory session and teach participants the basics of needle felting, a beautiful art form that involves sculpting colorful wool fibers into multi-dimensional shapes. Brotman will demonstrate essential felting techniques and guide participants in the creation of a set of soft, sculptural flowers that can be gifted or used in home decor. Each participant will leave with finished felted flowers and the skills needed to continue needle felting at home.

BEAD EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP WITH FOX & FISH
Saturday, June 6 | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
$40/person | $35/person for HSF members

Join Lauren Fox, owner of Fox & Fish and resident artist at Dreamhouse Studios, for a hands-on beading workshop. Designed for makers of all skill levels, this workshop will introduce participants to the basic techniques of bead embroidery and focus on creativity, experimentation and finding joy in the process. Fox will showcase how the traditional art of beading continues to thrive in contemporary society and guide participants through the creation of a small, finished piece to take home.

 

All tools and materials will be provided. No experience is necessary to participate in Historic Savannah Foundation’s Artisan Spotlight Series workshops. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To register, please visit davenporthousemuseum.org/public-programs.

ABOUT HISTORIC SAVANNAH FOUNDATION
Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF), a leading nonprofit cultural institution, saves the buildings, places and stories that define Savannah’s past, present and future. Founded in 1955 when seven brave women banded together to save the Isaiah Davenport House, Historic Savannah Foundation spearheaded the preservation movement in Savannah. The organization continues to preserve and operate The Davenport House Museum, sharing its important story with the community, and operates a Revolving Fund to save endangered historic properties, now totaling over 420 buildings throughout several of Savannah’s historic districts. HSF continues to lead preservation efforts throughout the Savannah community. More info: myhsf.org.

ABOUT DAVENPORT HOUSE MUSEUM
The Davenport House Museum is the historic 1820 Federal-style home and iconic Historic Savannah Foundation property that began the modern-day preservation movement in Savannah, Ga. In 1955, seven local women joined forces to save the Davenport House from demolition. Today, this award-winning house museum is dedicated to sharing the stories of master carpenter Isaiah Davenport, his family and the enslaved residents who lived in this home overlooking Columbia Square, showcasing period artifacts of life in Savannah from 1820 to 1827. Highlights include the award-winning Urban Enslaved Exhibit, which opened to the public in November 2023. Owned and operated by Historic Savannah Foundation, the Davenport House is the winner of the Preserve America Presidential Award — the highest national award honoring historic preservation achievement — and welcomes more than 40,000 visitors annually. More info: davenporthousemuseum.org.

 

MEDIA CONTACT
Allison Hersh
Capricorn Communications
912.441.1285 | [email protected]