SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO The Pajama Factory, 1307 Park Ave., recently hosted the America Lutherie Institute.

For the second year in a row, the Pajama Factory recently hosted the annual week long gathering of the American Lutherie Institute.

Founded and incorporated in 2024, ALI was established to continue the legacy of the internationally renowned violin restoration workshops formerly held at Oberlin College in Ohio.

“After a successful transition to Williamsport in 2024, the Pajama Factory has proven to be an ideal long-term home for this prestigious event,” a news release from the Pajama Factory said. “This year’s workshop brought together 76 luthiers from around the world, creating a dynamic environment of collaboration, skill-sharing, and technical exploration. Participants ranged from emerging professionals to master restorers, all engaged in a weeklong, hands-on think tank focused on the most advanced restoration techniques in the field.”

Jerry Lynn, Williamsport native and ALI co-founder, “recognized the potential of the Pajama Factory to support this world-class initiative. With the support of Mark Winkelman and Becca Berry, the building was transformed into a fully equipped restoration studio,” the news release said. “Additional community involvement included catering by Jason Matty of the Sticky Elbow and the crucial contributions of Jeffrey Aurand and the Community Woodshop, who constructed 60 custom-designed benches for the workshop. These modular benches — easily assembled without power tools — were made possible through a grant from the Violin Society of America.”

Guest instructors for 2025 included Pete Oxley, an internationally respected bow maker and restorer of 19th-century French bows; Stacey Styles, a veteran restorer and educator “known for her thoughtful approach and mentoring work,” the news release said; and Greg Sapp, a restoration innovator and award-winning craftsman with decades of experience in the field.

“This second annual ALI workshop not only marks a new chapter for the organization, but also reinforces the Pajama Factory’s status as a creative hub and magnet for world-class talent in the arts and crafts,” the news release said. “The Pajama Factory is a historic, repurposed industrial complex spanning over 300,000 square feet in the heart of Williamsport. … It has evolved into a vibrant creative community. Home to over 150 tenants, including nonprofits, artists, artisans, musicians, small businesses, and inventors, the Pajama Factory offers a rich, collaborative environment that continues to attract innovative individuals and organizations–like ALI–from across the country. The synergy and creative energy found here make it a natural fit for world-class initiatives rooted in craftsmanship and collaboration.”