While attending the ANWG AGM in Salem in July, we learned a little about the history of ANWG and also were given information about the conference which will be held in Salem next spring.

First, a brief account of the organization’s history: Founded in 1957 by Virginia Harvey, it became a formal organization in 1974, whose objective was to sponsor regional conferences.  Today it is the only regional weavers’ organization with members from the weaving guilds of both Canada and the U. S.  ANWG does not actually put on regional conferences; instead it supports local guilds and associations of guilds which wish to put on conferences, providing seed money and a cushion for cost overruns, in return for which it gets a share of any profits that are made. In addition,  ANWG gives grants to guilds to assist them in running workshops taught by well-known teachers who come from outside their region, gives grants to members of individual guilds to assist them attending conferences, has a video lending library, and furthers communication among member guilds by publishing a newsletter and maintaining an informative website – http:www.northwestweavers.org/index.htm.

Next spring’s ANWG conference is titled “Exploring Fiber Horizons” with the added comment: “Look into the future – the sky is the limit!”  The conference will be held at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. (The Amtrack train station is very near to the university campus.)

Keynote Speaker: Madelyn van der Hoogt

Some of the workshop leaders: Jason Collingwood, Linda Davis, Linda Hartshorn, Cathy Todd Hooker, Nancy Hoskins, Bobbie Irwin, Daryl Lancaster, Anita Mayer and Pat Spark. (Other prospective workshop leaders have not yet signed contracts.)

The conference website: www.exploringfiberhorizons.com

Submitted by Jo Anne Ryeburn

At least 8 Guild members attended the ANWG conference at Gonzago University in Spokane. Our first job after finding our dorm, was to set-up the booth. This went very easily together, thanks to all Cathie’s detailed instructions. We were bowled over by some of the other Guilds efforts, especially the winner from Galiano Guild. So we were pleasantly surprised to receive an Honorable Mention certificate.
Louisa and I missed the gallery tour, because we had to put finishing touches to the booth, although truth by told, it was so were could be first in line when the vendors opened.

Galiano Guild: Booth display winner

The next two days were a whirl of seminars, a fashion show with some wonderful garments. One of the winners was a felted jacket and hat from a girl in the valley. Diana has already snagged her for a future program. So every spare minute was taken up either looking over the booths, garments from the fashion show, or of course, running back to the vendor hall – just in case we had overlooked some goodie.

GVWSG Guild Booth: Honorable Mention

It was very hot in Spokane, and so with all the walking, to dorm, cafeteria, seminar and displays were we all back early to the “Vancouver” pod and anxious to share all our seminar notes, and purchases. Fortunately, ANWG had allowed for all us ageing weavers and provided some golf carts with cute young men to ferry us around, if only you were lucky enough to catch them.

The highlight was the Banquet on Saturday night. The keynote speaker was Ruby Leslie – Ruby Charuby Studios. Ruby is from Vermont and gave us a glimpse of life in the Purple House.

At least four of our members stayed for the post conference workshops. So come to the June meeting and hear their stories.

Beryl

Weaving Waves of Color: May 28-31, 2009 Post-Conference June 1-3, 2009

Please join the Spokane Handweavers’ Guild for an entertaining and enlightening educational fibre/fiber experience at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. The Conference will commence with a Gallery Tour and early opening of the Vendors Hall for Conference Registrants. The seminars and workshops offer diverse opportunities to study with talented instructors and artists. Plan to participate! Enter your work in 2009’s Juried Show, Open Show, and Fashion Show. On-line Weaving Waves of Color: May 28-31, 2009 Post-Conference June 1-3, 2009 Please join the Spokane Handweavers’ Guild for an entertaining and enlightening educational fibre/fiber experience at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. The Conference will commence with a Gallery Tour and early opening of the Vendors Hall for Conference Registrants. The seminars and workshops offer diverse opportunities to study with talented instructors and artists. Plan to participate! Enter your work in 2009’s Juried Show, Open Show, and Fashion Show. On-line registration opens January 1, 2009. Please check www.anwg2009.org for the latest news, corrections (“to err is human” . . .) and additions. The Conference Booklet can also be downloaded from www.northwestweavers.org. The 2009 Conference DVD (replete with photos, supply lists, and maps) will be mailed to all ANWG Guilds along with Conference Booklets.

Alison Addicks
President, ANWG
addicks@centurytel.net
Chair, ANWG 2009