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Meet the Instructors
Susan Szczotka
Susan Szczotka first discovered weaving at the Rochester Folk Art Guild’s Craft Weekend in 2011, where she was introduced to the art by Truus Radin. A retired feline veterinarian, Susan has since become an accomplished weaver, earning awards for her intricate textile work. She is a member of several weaving guilds, including the Shuttles and Spindles Guild in Newark Valley, the Weaving Guild of Rochester, and the Syracuse Weavers’ Guild, where she served as vice president.
Specializing in complex patterns and using materials like Tencel, bamboo, and alpaca, Susan creates scarves, shawls, table linens, and towels. Her work has been exhibited in galleries across upstate New York, and she recently showcased her rep weave and raku pottery at the Binghamton Arts Council’s Artisan Gallery. Susan brings her passion for weaving to each class, guiding students through both traditional and contemporary techniques.
Truus Radin
A master weaver with over 30 years of experience at the Rochester Folk Art Guild, Truus Radin brings a lifetime of dedication to fiber arts. Born on a farm in the SW Delta of the Netherlands, Truus first studied social work in Amsterdam before immersing herself in weaving in the early 1970s. Learning from renowned weaver Adele Akers and later studying Peter Collingwood’s techniques, Truus has developed her own unique style in rug weaving and garment making.
At the Folk Art Guild, Truus has been deeply involved in every aspect of fiber arts, from herding sheep to spinning, dyeing, and knitting the wool. Her finished works include jackets, shawls, scarves, ponchos, hats, and rugs. Truus’ extensive knowledge and hands-on experience make her a beloved and highly respected instructor at the Guild.