Britney Luttrell

I am a social worker and fiber artist that integrates trauma-informed practices with embracing Appalachian culture during workshops. Being raised in Eastern Kentucky during the opioid crisis has motivated my mission of accessible art workshops and community engagement. During workshops, participants are encouraged to engage in mindfulness while also challenging common barriers to creativity such as fear of failure or judgement. Participants explore how Appalachian culture and self expression intersect through finding their individualized “way” through fiber arts, much like recovery.

I was trained in traditional mountain fiber art by my Grandmother, the town seamstress, who is currently 101 years old.Throughout evenings of learning how to embroider, crochet, and sew, she shared stories of growing up through the Great depression. My goal with each fiber art project is to embrace the interconnectedness of utility, mindfulness, and femininity in the mountains.

Throughout my time with Recovering Joy, it is estimated that over 100 community members including women in sober living and detention facilities have engaged in learning how to crochet. It is my current goal that participants learn the basics of Granny Square due to its cultural significance and various utilities.

Needle felting provides a unique opportunity to tune into a deep meditative and creative state due to repetitive motion and transformation, which opens the door for meaningful conversations about radical community involvement, substance abuse recovery, and self healing.Participants also engage in needle felting sessions which challenge common barriers to recovery such as fear of the unknown. Ongoing projects include felted Monarchs and DogwoodFlowers that can be used as a brooch, pin, or hair clip.