Weavers Guild of Minnesota has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Occurring this year on November 28, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the US) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.
Since its founding in 1940 by six women, including Hilma Berglund, the Weavers Guild of Minnesota (“WGM”) has established itself as a nationally-recognized resource for the arts of weaving, spinning, and dyeing. WGM offers over 150 classes and events annually, serving nearly 700 new and experienced fiber artists each year. It was the catalyst in the formation of the Textile Center, where WGM currently maintains classroom, retail, and library space. WGM is a registered 501(c) arts non-profit organization.
WGM is committed to these four value statements:
- WGM celebrates and respects all individuals from beginners to seasoned artists and craftspersons.
- As a grassroots organization, we value the active participation of our volunteers, staff, and members.
- We value traditional fiber techniques and culture as well as innovative, art-based uses of fiber.
- We value a rich, positive environment that inspires lifelong learning in a non-competitive environment, nurturing a multi-generational and diverse community.
- Skill level: WGM offered nearly 180 classes at a variety of levels, topics and approaches in FY16. WGM featured a variety of activities at a range of prices and skill levels, from beginning-level foundation courses in weaving and spinning to in-depth master classes with extended time for work on WGM’s studio looms.
- Engagement: We utilize digital communication tools to reach our members, students, instructors, volunteers and greater creative community. Interest group, volunteer and digital engagement levels were all up from previous years.
- Traditional and contemporary approaches: Students have the opportunity to try many techniques within the arts of weaving, spinning, and dyeing: floor loom weaving, frame loom weaving, spinning on a wheel or drop spindle, rag rug weaving, card weaving, inkle loom weaving, tapestry weaving, ply split braiding, Navajo weaving, Saori Japanese weaving, Sami-inspired weaving and braiding; Bengala dyeing, textile designing, and Kumihimo Japanese braiding.
- Inclusive: The programs are accessible to individuals at all skill levels, backgrounds, and abilities. Private lessons are available by request, so students who are not able to attend scheduled classes or need customized instruction can learn from our teaching artists.
For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website (www.givingtuesday.org), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday) or follow @GivingTues and the #GivingTuesday hashtag on social media.
About #GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. This year, #GivingTuesday falls on November 28. #GivingTuesday harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners?to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season. It inspires people to take collective action to improve their communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they believe in, and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday demonstrates how every act of generosity counts, and that they mean even more when we give together.
