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Tucson Creative Arts Center

GUILD HISTORY

The Tucson Handweavers & Spinners Guild began in October 1973 when Ruth Brown, Crane Day, Lucille Clark, Ellen Nadler, Barbara Rogers and Pam Shack organized the Old Pueblo Guild of Handweavers.   Beginning with 35 charter members, the Guild currently has a membership of approximately 150. 

The name was changed in 1974 and in 1975, the Tucson Handweavers & Spinners Guild (THSG) joined the Handweavers Guild of America, the Arizona Federation of Handweavers & Spinners Guild in 1977, and the Intermountain Weavers Conference in 1981.  Many local members have been officers and participants in these and other fiber related organizations.

The Guild has always included weavers, spinners and other fiber artists, both beginners and award-winning artists.  Recently, paper makers, Navajo weavers, basketeers, dyers and multi-shaft weavers have formed additional sub-sections called Study Groups where interested members can explore specific topics more fully. 

THSG has an extensive library of materials for members’ use, publishes newsletters and offers workshops taught by renowned fiber artists.  Scholarships are available to college students to these workshops and to members to attend local and national educational opportunities.  Guild members are presently working to create a Center for Creative Arts in Tucson.

Monthly meetings, (September through May) feature excellent programs given by diverse specialists.  Outreach events include educational demonstrations at the Southwest Indian Fair, County Fair and schools.  During the year, the Guild participates in sales opportunities at the Tucson Museum of Art, Sunstone, the Bisbee Fiber Festival and a Fashion show Luncheon with boutique every other year.

For a more complete history, arrange to see the most recent Roster which includes lists of workshop leaders, juried shows, community outreach venues, charitable activities and past presidents.

Written by the guild historian – Judith Billings