The school’s Tufting Club, founded by junior Faisal A. ’26, is bringing a fresh, hands-on art experience to campus this year. Tufting, a textile art using tufting guns to create textured designs, has quickly gained popularity among students looking for a creative outlet.

Faisal discovered tufting during the COVID-19 lockdown when he had extra time to explore new hobbies. “I felt lockdown was an opportunity to pick up hobbies that I had never tried before, and tufting quickly became one of my favorites,” he shared. As he honed his skills, he realized how rewarding the process was and wanted to introduce it to his peers. Wanting to create a new space for artistic expression, he took the initiative to establish the school’s first student-led afternoon activity. With support from Visual Arts Chair Mr. Carruthers, Faisal successfully launched the club, providing students with a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on creativity.

Club meetings take place in the art center as a part of the Fashion Club, where students design, tuft, and finish their projects. “A typical day in tufting starts with gathering supplies and planning out designs,” Faisal explained. “After tufting, students apply glue to the back of their work and let it dry overnight before trimming and finishing the piece.” The club also makes trips to craft stores to restock materials, ensuring members have access to a variety of yarns and colors for their projects. Faisal oversees the entire process, guiding students, maintaining the tufting machines, and ensuring that everyone feels supported as they refine their skills.

The club has quickly grown into a tight-knit group of tufters who share ideas, inspire each other, and sometimes collaborate on pieces. “Seeing the enthusiasm and creativity of the students has made all the effort worthwhile,” Faisal said. “Some members are so engaged that they even come in on weekends to continue working on their projects.”

Looking ahead, Faisal wishes to ensure the club’s longevity. “I definitely plan to continue the club next year if there is enough student interest and continued support from the art department,” he explained. He also hopes to select a dedicated club member to take over leadership after he graduates. Beyond the club, Faisal hopes to see tufting become part of the school’s visual arts curriculum, allowing students to explore textile art as part of studio art and advanced art classes.

With Faisal’s leadership and dedication, the Tufting Club has become more than just an afternoon activity—it’s a space where creativity, craftsmanship, and community come together. Whether through individual projects or future curricular integration, Faisal’s wish is for tufting to become an enduring part of the School’s artistic culture for years to come.