Visit to Duluth Fiber Guild

From Madeleine Legg:

I recently visited the Duluth Fiber and Handcrafters Guild. My son and his family live in Duluth (Minnesota) and I look the opportunity earlier this year to have a look at their studio and chat with some of their members.

In many ways they are similar to our own Guild in that they meet regularly and organise workshops – but on a much grander scale. They were formed originally by a few interested fiber artists in the Duluth area and since then the membership has grown to about 100 members. The Guild provides opportunities for learning and fellowship through monthly meetings, newsletters, study groups, classes, workshops, demonstrations and retreats for weaving, spinning, dyeing, knitting, basketry, felting, beading and other allied crafts.

The Guild meets in their weaving studio in The Depot where The Duluth Art Institute and other cultural organizations are housed. I was bowled over by their studios and resources and envied the fact that members could just op in at any time. However, the group were quick to point out that many US Guilds are smaller and meet in all sorts of places like church halls, members houses and above fire stations! Few Guilds are supported in the way that Duluth enjoys.

If you want to see more of what the Guild do and get some ideas see their website: Duluth Fiber and Handcrafters Guild.