WGM – Preserving and advancing the arts of weaving, spinning and dyeing.
The Weavers Guild of Minnesota is incorporated as a nonprofit, tax-exempt educational organization. In 2001, the Weavers Guild of Minnesota joined with other fiber arts communities and moved to the new Textile Center. Our space includes three classrooms with over two dozen floor looms and a dozen spinning wheels; a small retail space for weaving yarns, new and used books, and accessories; and an extensive reference collection.
We are a volunteer organization that depends on the hard work of its many dedicated members. Tasks range from managing equipment and planning Guild meetings to demonstrating at the State Fair. Our committee chairs and board members provide oversight and planning for Guild resources and activities.
Official Documents
Annual Report 2011-2012
Annual Report 2010-2011
WGM Member Excerpt of Textile Center Survey (Site Planning)
History
January of 1940, WGM co-founder, Hilma Berglund, sent a letter to 29 persons “who might be interested in a weavers’ organization”. In May of that year they held a two-week Institute taught by Mary Meigs Atwater. The “I think I can” attitude has prevailed to this day and the Weavers Guild of Minnesota has thrived, enriching our community in numerous ways.
Major accomplishments:
- Demonstrates and exhibits at the Minnesota State Fair since 1952.
- Opened our first permanent classroom and library space in 1955.
- Organized and hosted local, regional, and national weaving conferences.
- Catalyst in the formation of the Textile Center in 1991; moved into the new Textile Center Building in 2001.
- As a result of the increased class space and requests for additional classes, a job description and funding sources were developed and a full-time Education Director was hired in the Fall of 2007.
The Guild continues to offer diverse classes, workshops, and lectures, and is poised to move into the future and expand on its proud history.
Weavers Guild of Minnesota Board 2011-2012
| President | Cathie Mayr |
| President Elect | Donna Gravesen |
| Past-President | Louise French |
| Treasurer | Nancy Gossell |
| Secretary | Peggy Baldwin |
| New Member Rep | Peter Withoff |
| Volunteer Rep | Steve Pauling |
| Development Rep | Sue Bye |
| Education Rep | Ellen Richard |
| Membership Chair | Jere Thompson |
| Member-at-Large | Jan Nelson |
| Member-at-Large | Geri Retzlaff |
Staff
| Linda Hansen Education Director lhansen@weaversguildmn.org Becky Franklin Emily Anderson |
