The WEAVERS GUILD OF KALAMAZOO, Inc. was founded in 1968. We
are united to learn, teach, and share with each other and the community our
interest and knowledge of traditional and contemporary handweaving
and related textile arts. We are a private non-profit organization (501(c)3).
Membership is open to the general public. Members receive a monthly newsletter, may use the library and rental equipment as well as participate in Guild sponsored workshops, exhibits, and demonstrations.
NETWORKING - Meetings offer the opportunity to meet and talk to other weavers, spinners, and fiber artists, to keep abreast of Guild activities and to learn of related activities of interest to members. Most meetings consist of a short business meeting and a presentation by a guest speaker. There are often exhibits and other activities at the meetings.
STUDY GROUPS - The Guild offers study groups throughout the year. These are free to all members (except for materials). Guild volunteers lead our study groups in techniques and projects requested by members. Current study groups include: 4-harness, multi-harness, spinning, basket weaving, and swatch studies. Special study groups are arranged when requested and enough interest warrants.
WORKSHOPS - Each year the Guild offers workshops taught by Guild members and visiting artists on weaving and related fiber arts.
SLIDE COLLECTION & LIBRARY - Members may request the use of slides from our collection as well as scrapbooks maintained as an historical record of Guild activities. The Guild has an extensive collection of hardcover books, periodicals and videotapes on weaving and fiber-related arts.
RENTAL EQUIPMENT - The Guild maintains some looms, spinning wheels, and related equipment for rental by members for nominal fees.
NATIONAL & STATE AFFILIATIONS - The Guild is affiliated with the Michigan League of Handweavers, Handweavers Guild of America, Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts, and the Arts Council.
SHOW & SALE OPPORTUNITIES - Many members attend and
exhibit, either individually or with the Guild, at Michigan League of Handweavers conferences, as well as the Handweavers
Guild of America Convergence,
Works by Guild members are featured at a sale and exhibit held each year on the weekend before Thanksgiving by the Weavers and Fiber Artists. Guild members are encouraged to participate in this event which aims to present to the public an image of our organization as one dedicated to quality in design and craftsmanship.
DEMONSTRATIONS - When notified of requests for demonstrations, Guild members volunteer their time throughout the community.
SCHOLARSHIPS – From time to time, the Guild offers limited scholarship support for members to participate in educational opportunities which benefit the entire group. A mentorship program is also available to help beginners learn more about our art.
SUPPORT – As a private, non-profit 501(C)3 organization, the funding for our educational and public service activities comes from membership dues and private donations. These private donations are tax-deductible.
JOIN US - Meetings are held the second Monday of the month at the Portage Senior Center, Portage MI at 7:00 pm, September through May. We usually do not meet in January, June, July, or August. The doors open at 6:30 pm. Come and join us. It’s a wonderful way to get to know other people with your same interests. Help support our education and public service activities while expanding your own knowledge of the fiber arts.
MEMBERSHIP dues are $30 per year. Membership form or more information about the Guild? The form and more information is available on this website, or write to:
Weavers Guild of Kalamazoo, Inc.
PC
You are welcome to visit us at our next meeting! The schedule is on the website
Last revised: 07/07/07