Synergo Arts - Ergonomic benches for Guatemalan backstrap weavers

Address

Synergo Arts
4901 N. Calle Luisa
Tucson, AZ 85718
United States
(520) 400-1017
http://www.synergoarts.org

Mission

The mission of Synergo Arts is to help artists and artisans around the world build their capacity for using ergonomics to maximize their health, income, performance, productivity, creativity, and art or craft quality. We do this through a grassroots approach to developing and delivering resources in ergonomics education, consulting and design. Our mission emphasizes self-empowerment for artisans who depend on their craft for survival.

Programs

Synergo Arts develops and provides ergonomics education, consulting and design resources. In Latin America our current focus is a program that teaches carpenters to make an ergonomic weaving-bench, and trains weavers to use the bench for better health, increased earning potential, and preservation of their indigenous culture.

Personnel Overview

Karen Piegorsch - Project Director
Founder of Synergo Arts. Leader of the design teams that created the ergonomic bench for backstrap weavers. PhD in health promotion, MS industrial engineering/ergonomics, BS physical therapy. Social entrepreneur. Over 28 years of hands-on experience including consulting and implementing ergonomic solutions for manufacturing, office and artist work environments. Spanish language skills.

Juano Ramos - Community Educator and Project Consultant
Guatemalan Mayan artisan skilled in backstrap weaving and bead work. Community leader and educator. Consultant who helps ensure the cultural appropriateness of this project's educational resources. Trainer, dedicated to helping women throughout Latin America learn to use the ergonomic bench.

Anne Dunham - Organizational Development Consultant
Over 17 years of hands-on, executive-level public sector experience; advising, developing and managing non-profit organizations. Entrepreneur & business owner/manager for 12 years. Guidance counselor and teacher of language arts, junior high & high school levels, for 17 years. President, advisory board of the Conference of Northern California handweavers. Artist. Member of Weave a Real Peace.

Personnel Statistics

Karen Piegorsch, Founder, President
Founded in 2007
Employees: 0
Volunteers: 7

Financial Statistics

Budget (2009): 19,000
Budget (2008): 71,109
Maximum Budget: 71,109
Other funding sources: Private donors
Religious Affiliation: No religious affiliation.