CEW Design Studio

CEW (Creatively Empowered Women) Design Studio is a Chicago-based art therapy social enterprise working with refugees and immigrant women of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Illustration portrait of a woman with short blonde hair, wearing a yellow and black blouse — Photograph courtesy CEW Design Studio

Bàhra came to Chicago as a Bosnian refugee. She is passionate about creating with her hands and finds that crocheting and knitting relax her; these activities play a role in her daily routine and help her cope.

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Illustration portrait of a woman with short brown hair, wearing a polka dot blouse and eye glasses — Photograph courtesy CEW Design Studio

Hajrija immigrated to Chicago from Bosnia. She finds inspiration in knitting and crocheting, which excite her as she can create artful and functional objects.

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Illustration portrait of a woman with long dark hair, wearing a blue blouse — Photograph courtesy CEW Design Studio

Nargis immigrated to Chicago from Pakistan with her family 30 years ago. She crochets to remember her mother. While her mother did not teach Nargis how to crochet, she learned the techniques through watching her mother work.

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Illustration portrait of a woman with short brown hair, wearing a striped blouse and eye glasses — Photograph courtesy CEW Design Studio

Vera moved to Chicago from Bosnia and Herzegovina. She worked at the Drake Hotel for 13 years in the housekeeping department, and she spends her time now creating artful objects by hand. Vera knits and crochets hats, scarves, blouses and jackets, and she has found that her art-making serves as a therapeutic practice for her.

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