History Board Constitution Policies ANWG
As a result of a weaving class at the Free University at Western Washington University, the Whatcom Weavers Guild (then call the Whatcom Textile Guild) began. With the encouragement of weaving instructor Pat Spark, the students who took her class started meeting on an informal basis during June of 1971.
Members of the guild during these early years were individuals known in the local community as creative, artistic and patrons of the local arts scene: Virginia Weller, Jane Grabert, Judy Krieger, Alita Thorsett, Cathy McCain, Patty Robison, Patti Mitchell, Jan Witcraft, Linda Rees.
Meetings were held in a variety of locations – local businesses, churches, member’s homes, and the guild even maintained a rented space in Bellingham for a short period. By mid 1973, the guild held its first major workshop featuring Allen and Barbara Fannin. Workshops and organized programs at monthly meetings became the standard for the guild during its infancy.
In 1974, the guild took a significant step by coordinating a major juried fiber show at the Whatcom Museum of History and Art. Fibers Unlimited became a popular guild show and museum exhibit throughout the mid 1970s and 1980s. One of the early show jurors was renowned designer Jack Lenor Larson. In conjunction with the exhibit, the guild held stunning fashion shows beginning in 1977. Although a popular (and time consuming events) show and exhibit, the museum discontinued it during the late 1980s due to the changes in the museum’s focus and planned expansion.
The guilds name was officially changed in 1998 to Whatcom Weavers Guild. The name change was primarily to focus the group due to the majority of members being weavers. Although the group’s name was changed, interest in all fiber related areas is valued and important to the members. Anyone with an interest in fiber/textile arts is welcomed into the Whatcom Weavers Guild.