Send your news items to Tim Prins by the 25th of the month for inclusion in the next month’s newsletter.
Guild Calendar
Thursday, May 11, 2023 – May Meeting
Multnomah Arts Center + Zoom
7688 SW Capitol Hwy. (503) 823-2787 – Gym
10:00 am Day Meeting
9:30 am – 10:00 am: Set up, social time
10:00 am – 12:00: Meeting
7:00 pm Evening Meeting
6:30 pm – 7:00 pm: set up, social and library browsing time
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Meeting
Thursday, May 25, 2023 – Board/planning meeting
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Zoom
President’s Message
It’s the day before Gathering of the Guilds. I stopped by the convention center this afternoon to check in with folks and see how everyone was doing. As always the place is abuzz with activity. Many thanks to Cindy Fowler for leading the charge on this year’s sale for PHG, to Debbie Ellis for handling the guild booth, and to all the vendors who have made the trek to the convention center for what we all hope will be an exciting and successful event. This is one of a handful of events where the general public can see what we do and learn more about fiber arts. It’s great exposure for us and our craft. Hopefully you’ll have had a chance to check out the show and see what folks have to offer.
The board is planning for next year, including further discussions about finding a new home, developing the budget, and filling board seats. Let me bring you up to speed on all of these.
First, the board has decided to create a committee to work on a possible move. We realize that an event like this will take time and planning, and we want to make sure we’re sharing the ideas that will be needed to make such a big move successful. In addition, we will be putting the move up for a vote at the general meeting in June. We’ll talk then about the vision for a new home, what we think it will take to get there, and a rough outline of how we think we might make this happen. It will then be up to the membership to determine if we proceed. I encourage you all to ask questions, think about the possibilities, and share your thoughts and ideas with the board. In the meantime we plan to renew our lease at MAC, and expect to continue meeting there for the foreseeable future. And if you’d like to join that committee working on this please let me know. The more ideas we have the better.
Budget numbers are being developed, and we’ll present those at the June meeting. In case you’re interested we have last year’s budget on the website, so you can see how things look. We don’t expect any major changes right now for the coming year, but will update and amend as needed throughout the year.
As for board seats, I’m thrilled to report that we have many current members returning for another year, and a couple new faces who have agreed to join the board. However, we are still searching for someone to take on programs, the at-large seat, and the role of president. Each has it’s own advantages that are worth considering:
- The Program Chair gets to meet some amazing artists and scholars. You’ll setup programs for the coming year, and help introduce the guild to people and ideas that will help fuel the work being done in the fiber community.
- The At-large seat on the board is a great way to get your feet wet with being on the board. It’s the one seat that doesn’t have a job doing other things. Your only responsibility as the at-large director is to attend meetings, contribute your thoughts and ideas, and represent your fellow guild members. If you’ve ever considered serving on a board this is where you want to start.
- I love the role of president. I’ve met some wonderful people, and I really enjoy seeing everyone each month. And it’s really not as hard as you might think. Your big responsibility is to run the board meetings each month and help make sure that the guild is serving our members and our community. You’ll have the support of a board that knows their stuff, and brings ideas and issues to the group that help keep the organization moving forward. I encourage you all to give it some thought. If you have any questions at all feel free to ask me, or any of the past presidents including Sarah and Chris who have served most recently.
Well, that’s enough for now. As always I hope to see you at a meeting soon.
Dan
Upcoming Program
May 11th PHG Meeting at MAC: Atiyeh Bros. Since 1900
Tim Urback has been with Atiyeh for 30 years and will be presenting a program featuring the history of the company with attention to the changes in the carpet industry over these years. He will talk about the services Atiyeh provides for the public with attention paid to their work in repairing oriental pieces. There will be samples of these repairs to examine the type of work to pass around.
An exciting last program for the season!
But and there is a But – he will only be presenting to the morning meeting so if you want to handle some of the samples he will be bringing please plan on attending in the morning. The program will be taped for the evening meeting.
Guild News
Membership Update
PHG Friends!
The end of our year is drawing closer which means it is time to renew your membership! This can easily be done through the website here: https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/archive/portland-handweavers-guild-membership/renew-my-membership/
If you prefer to mail in a check, you can send it to our PHG mailing address:
Portland Handweavers Guild
PO Box 6676
Portland, OR 97228
If you haven’t joined our Guild yet and would like to, we would love to welcome you as our newest member! On top of helping us pay for our meetings and receiving our newsletters, your membership provides you with lots of benefits, which include:
- Member rates and access to our workshops
- PHG Library Access
- Rental Equipment
- Bi-Yearly Sales of Member’s Work
- Study Grants
- Study Groups
- WeGO & ANWG News & Events
- Access to other PHG Members
New members can also send in a check to our PO Box or join online using this link: https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/archive/portland-handweavers-guild-membership/join-phg/
Thanks so much!
Sarah
We did it! Portland Handweavers Guild Spring 2023 Retreat Report
By: Diane McKinnon
The Portland Handweavers Spring 2023 Retreat is in the books and was a pretty big success. Well, actually, it was a really BIG success! Based on the general feedback, everyone there had a blast, considered it a fantastic time, felt it was ‘the best Retreat ever!”, and wanted to know when will we do it again!
Camp Cedar Ridge is under new ownership since we were last there in 2019. It was agreed by all that they are a fantastic group of folks who were so helpful and easy to work with. The food was VERY good, the lodging facilities were as clean as can be plus greatly improved due to the removal of the dreaded bunk beds, and the Work Room facilities were perfect for our purposes – lots of great space to set up looms, spinning wheels, and tables to do good work but close enough to socialize and share information, equipment needs, and general fun! We all agreed that it was an excellent value for the price we paid.
Everyone got a ton of stuff done, and the interaction of sharing and just plain hob nobbing among the attendees was outstanding. There was a constant buzz of creativity interspersed with great meals, a snow storm or three, and incredible Happy Hours which we hosted for ourselves. We even got to watch a community Easter egg hunt complete with a Tyrannosaurus Rex, a pink Unicorn, and an Easter Bunny.
We already have dates reserved for next year! February 22 – 25, 2024. Watch for announcements starting in the November 2023 Newsletter. It will be very similar to this year’s event although prices will increase a bit, which is to be expected. And, we already have 6-7 folks ready to sign up for 2024.
So, thanks to all of the attendees who made the 2023 Retreat so memorable and successful as well as to our Prez – Dan Steves, our Treasurer – Michael Schlieski, and our Newsletter editor – Tim Prins for their invaluable Guild Administrative support. I wish I could tell everyone else more, but we have a mini-mantra: “What happens at the Retreat stays at the Retreat.” You just have to be there. And, we sure hope you will join us in 2024!
Volunteer Opportunity: PHG’s WeGO Representative
After several years, Sue Walsh will be stepping down as PHG’s representative to the Weaving Guilds of Oregon after the 2023 ANWG Conference this June. This position involves participating in two regular meetings per year in April and October, at least half of which are conducted via Zoom. The incumbent represents the interests of PHG in making decisions about WeGO activities such as providing input into WeGO-sponsored workshops, scholarships, policies, and other activities. The incumbent will write PHG’s report to be posted on the WeGO website, and provide annual information to calculate PHG’s dues. This is not a Board position; the incumbent is represented on the Board by the Organization Liaison Director. This is a terrific opportunity to meet other guild members across the state and participate in activities and projects that make an impact, including the weaver’s disaster relief fund, the State Fair, and the WeGO Traveling Show. If you are interested, please contact PHG President Dan Steves president@portlandhandweaversguild.org and Organization Liaison Director Bertha Avery weavencraftgal@gmail.com
For more information about WeGO, check out their website: https://wegoregondotorg.wordpress.com/
ANWG 2023 Conference: Fiber Connections
Time is running out to register for the Conference. The deadline for some workshops has already passed, although a few others are still available. May 22 is the last day to register in advance for seminars and events. If you can’t make it to Bend, consider one or more of the seminars available via Zoom. Don’t wait – register today!
For conference details, go to https://anwgconference2023.com/
Conference Badges
Each guild in WeGO has contributed to the 2023 ANWG Conference. PHG’s contribution has been handwoven name tag pouches. All pouches need to be collected by May 11. Sue Walsh will be at the day and evening meetings to collect them. If you can’t attend, please try to make alternate arrangements ASAP as the pouches will be fitted with name tag cards and then transported to Bend. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who wove pouches, made lanyards, and attached lanyards to pouches. The badges are lovely. For more info or to arrange for alternate pickup/dropoff, contact Sue at sugar2311@comcast.net
Latest ANWG Newsletter
The Association of Northwest Weavers Guilds has posted their April 2023 newsletter. Check out the creative ways other Northwest weaving guilds are getting their members together for fiber activities. All ANWG newsletters are available here.
News from Complex Weavers
There will be a Complex Weavers meeting in Bend Oregon. The next Convergence and Complex Weavers Seminars will be in Kansas in the future. See you in Bend.
Not a member? It is easy to join this wonderful group of Weavers. They have become friends as well as Weavers.
If any questions please let me know. Ladella Williams LadellawilliamsCZZ@gmail.com or text message to 503 729 1704
Bulletin Board
DaVinci Middle School- Loom Sale to Come!!
Thanks to the volunteers who have been helping out at Davinci Middle School’s fiber arts program! Neressa Bennett, the teacher is working on setting a date before the end of the school year to sell many of the large floor looms which she is not using. As soon as we have that date set, I will get the word out. There will be some good bargains and the money will go into a fund for her to use to buy smaller more useful looms for her program!
In the meantime, she could use some small table looms in good working order. Small two or four harness looms, an inkle loom, or small rigid heddle looms would be more usable in her space. If you have one of these lying around your house, are feeling generous and would like to donate it, please let me know. She really does not have space for anymore large looms.
Also, if you are interested and have time, more volunteers could go in and help during her weaving classes in the mornings, help organize her huge yarn stash, or help warp up the looms. You might also be able to warp one of the small looms at home then get it back to DaVinci.
Please contact me if you have questions, time to volunteer, or possible donations.
Cooki Messmer – cookimessmer@comcast.net
Summer Camp Fiber Arts Opportunity
Willowbrook Arts Camp Is a summer day camp that meets in Browns Ferry Park in Tualatin. Thanks to Debbie Ellis, the program director, Mari Gardner, reached out to PHG to try to bring in some weaving. I will organize a day with her during camp to demonstrate some simple weaving projects with the campers and their counselors. But I also told her I would spread the word about a six week job opening she has for a camp counselor who will work with some fiber projects. Here is the link and you can contact her about more information.
Specialist Job Description 2023.docx (willowbrookartscamp.org) Mari@willowbrookartscamp.org
More outreach volunteer opportunities will be coming up over the spring and summer. Check the newsletter for scheduling.
Cooki Messmer
Outreach
Damascus Fiber Arts School Summer Schedule
The Damascus Fiber Arts School has published their summer schedule and registration is open. Classes include 3-Day Beginning Tapestry, Weaving Words in Tapestry, Painting with Yarn: Soumak Tapestry, Beginning Spinning, Natural Dyeing Using Local Mushrooms, Lichens and Plants, Hachure in Contemporary Tapestry, and Spinning: Beyond the Basics.
Looking to Buy or Sell Weaving Equipment or Materials?
Check out the Items for Sale page.
Fiber News and Events
Handweavers Guild of America
Textiles & Tea
Tuesdays
The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.’s (HGA) exciting new program, Textiles & Tea, takes place every Tuesday at 4 PM (ET). We’ve invited some of the most respected fiber artists in the field today to join us for an hour long conversation where we will discuss their artwork and their creative journey. Make a cup of your favorite tea and join us as we talk about fiber, creativity, inspiration, process and so much more.
The Weaving Guilds of Oregon (WeGO) committee is delighted to announce that the traveling show will take place beginning in January of 2023. This show travels around the state of Oregon showcasing the fiber arts in our communities. The Title of the show is “Filaments.”
IKAT: A world of Compelling Cloth
March 9 – May 29, 2023
Seattle, WA
For more information about this exhibit at the Seattle art museum: https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/exhibitions/ikat
Fiber in the Forest
May 19-21, 2023
Myrtle Point, OR
More info: Fiber in the Forest
Fiber Fusion Northwest
June 3-4, 2023
Monroe, Washington
More info: fiberfusion.net.
ANWG Conference – Fiber Connections
June 11-18, 2023
Riverhouse Convention Center, Bend, OR
Click the link below to read all the news for the ANWG Conference 2023.
anwgconference2023.com
Black Sheep Gathering
June 23-25, 2023
Albany, OR
More info: blacksheepgathering.org
Threads | Þræðir Intertwined in Iceland: Textiles and Book Arts
July 8 – November 5, 2023
Nordia House, Portland, OR
This exhibition showcases artists’ books and textile pieces by Icelandic artists and visiting artists who have been inspired by the country’s landscapes, people, language and textile traditions. The works in this exhibition are connected through stitching, weaving, knotting, tying, binding, pattern and storyline. The artists have found parallel lives in each other, unintentionally approaching art and life in similar fashions across oceans and between generations.
More info: https://www.nordicnorthwest.org/exhibits
Intermountain Weavers Conference
July 27-30, 2023
Logan, Utah
More info: intermountainweavers.org
Conference of Northern California Handweavers
August 3-6, 2023
San Luis Obispo, CA
CNCH 2023 will be located on the campus of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Attendees will enjoy apartment-style lodging on the campus and 16 retreat-style classes in subjects including weaving, spinning, dyeing, felting, kumihimo, sprang – and more.
Registration opens on April 29, 2023, and students are urged to register early because classes are expected to fill up quickly. More info: https://www.cnch.org/
Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival
October 14-15, 2023
Linn County Expo Center, Albany, OR
More info: http://www.oregonflockandfiberfestival.com
Convergence
July 11-17, 2024
Wichita, Kansas
More info: https://weavespindye.org/convergence/
Rental Equipment
PHG has equipment available for rent to current PHG Members. Click here for more info.
PHG Board and Chairs
Please click here for a list of PHG Board Members and Committee Chairs.
Your purchases can benefit PHG! Click on one of these links before buying and PHG will earn a commission from your purchase.
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