Previous Conferences
Montana Association of Weavers and Spinners
Fiber artists in Montana may join the Montana Association of Weavers and Spinners. Affiliation with a guild is not necessary for membership. MAWS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose objectives are to "foster communication between individuals and groups engaged in hand weaving and hand spinning." Membership is open to anyone with an interest in preserving, promoting, and learning about fiber arts. This includes, but is not limited to, hand spinning, hand weaving, felting, basketry, beadwork, sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet work, tatting, or any other method of creating and embellishing textiles.
MAWS sponsors a state-wide biennial conference (held in one of six Montana locations on a rotating basis) which includes lectures, workshops, seminars, juried shows, fashion shows, and other activities which may be of interest to fiber enthusiasts, as well as the general business meeting of the organization. A Thread Runs Through Us!, in beautiful Bozeman, Montana, August 23-27, 2006. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
A map of fiber producers and retailers in Montana was created by the Missoula guild in 1999. The Fiber Trails map is available for download in PDF format.
Member Benefits
In addition to eligibility for voting, holding office, and participation in the conferences, each member receives a quarterly newsletter. The MAWS newsletter provides free classified ads to members as well as posting of guild and individuals and guilds fiber events. MAWS also provides grants to member guilds for learning opportunities held in non-conference years.
Joining
Membership in MAWS is open to anyone. A membership year runs from January 1 to December 31.
To join send $8.00 to:
Jan Nordwick
PO Box 721
Butte MT 59703-0721
Officers for the 2002-2004 Term
Executive Secretary -- Elaine Hammer e-mail
Executive Treasurer -- Jan Nordwick
Newsletter Editor -- Linda Shelhamer e-mail
Assistant Editor – Amy Buchan e-mail
HGA Representative - Joanne Hall e-mail
Members-at-Large
Betsy Campen, Billings
Gwen Haverkamp, Miles City
Jullie Hoen, Great Falls
Karla Long, Missoula
Pat Wagner Thompson, Red Lodge
Terri McKenna, Belgrade