Duluth Fiber Guild

To Celebrate Milestone Anniversary In 2023

By Andrea Busche

The Duluth Fiber Guild, a group which consists of and services both professional artists and those with an interest in the fiber arts, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023. The Fiber Guild’s mission is “To support and promote an understanding and appreciation of the fiber arts, and to support the education and development of individual creative potential.”

But what exactly are the “fiber arts”?

Fiber artists pursue their craft through a wide variety of mediums, including weaving, spinning, dying, felting, knitting, needlework, basketry, crocheting, beading and papermaking. A variety of handcrafted items can be created through the fiber arts, such as clothing, placemats, towels, wall art, and felted bowls. A significant benefit to the fiber arts is that they are typically earth-friendly.

“This is a sustainable craft,” said Kit Sitter, the Fiber Guild’s current treasurer. “We can use products from sheep, llamas, alpacas and even dogs. We give the animal a haircut or a brush, and the animal regrows the fiber. And we are a redo/reuse group — we also repurpose products that need a little TLC. For instance, one artist made a blouse from an old heirloom tablecloth. And old wool blankets can be repurposed to make totes.”

To celebrate the Fiber Guild’s upcoming anniversary, here’s a look into its history, and everything the organization has to offer. We also provide a sneak peek into some of the community events being planned for 2023.

History

The Duluth Fiber Guild, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 1973 by the late Janet Meany, an accomplished weaver. Over the years, the Fiber Guild has had many homes and many leaders.

Today, however, it is located in a renovated studio space in

Lincoln Park — 2701 W. Superior St., Suite 210. The Fiber Guild is governed by a sevenperson volunteer board of directors, and guided by several in-house committees.

Membership

The Fiber Guild currently consists of about 100 members, ranging from beginner to expert artists. Members pay dues of $50 per year for a basic membership, or $100 per year for a supporting membership. Dues cover use of the studio space and help purchase equipment such as looms and spinning wheels.

Fiber Guild members receive special perks such as a quarterly newsletter, invitations to member-only retreats, and access to the group’s comprehensive library. Members can also check out some of the equipment in order to work on their projects at home.

It is a very diverse group.

“We’re very open to all ages and all genders,” Sitter explained. “We’re an open, friendly group. The more, the merrier. We currently don’t have any youth in the school systems, but we do have a couple college students and many senior citizens.”

The Duluth Fiber Guild always welcomes new members. And those interested in learning more can make arrangements to stop by and check out the studio, too.

Programming

In addition to offering a comfortable, safe space to work on the fiber arts, the Duluth Fiber Guild offers educational programming along with other special events. There are study groups, workshops and classes covering the full spectrum of fiber arts. For instance, courses on spinning, tapestry, knitting and felting are just a few of the upcoming items on the group’s calendar.

There are two regularly occurring annual events where Fiber Guild artists can sell their beautiful wares, too. The Fiber Fair and Sale typically happens every November. This event features artistic, handcrafted, one-of-akind items for sale, including handwoven scarves, jewelry, handmade garments, fiber for spinning, handspun yarn and holiday decorations. And the annual Fiber Rummage Sale is held each June, where members can sell items such as craft supplies, fabric, batting and tools. To learn more about programming and special events, people are encouraged to visit duluthfiberguild.org, or find the group on Facebook, Instagram or Ravelry.

Anniversary events

Sitter, along with another member, Marcia McCormick, are serving as co-chairs for the Fiber Guild’s 50th anniversary celebration. Sitter said there are many exciting events being planned for 2023.

Currently, four exhibits are in the works to display Fiber Guild members’ work for the public. They include an exhibit at the Tweed Museum of Art (at the University of MinnesotaDuluth), which is expected to run from January to May.

Another exhibit will be held in the summer months (dates TBD) at the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids. The Textile Center and Minnesota Weavers Guild in the Twin Cities will also host an exhibit in November/December 2023. This exhibit will also honor the Duluth Fiber Guild’s late

Continued on page 16 founder Janet Meany and her extensive rag rug collection. The Nordic Center (located in downtown Duluth) also will host an exhibition in September/ October 2023.

Other events will include a family day, a gallery talk, and a presentation on creativity — featuring a keynote speaker.

“We’re really trying to get the public engaged in working with fibers and learning more about what we do,” Sitter said.

Reasons to join

Becoming a member of the Duluth Fiber Guild offers several benefits for local fiber artists.

“Many people join this group for a social outlet,” Sitter said. “We’re so welcoming, and the fibers encourage people to be creative and enjoy the hands-on and tactile sense of fibers in your hands.

“Also, there is a sort of mental therapy in doing the crafts. Spinners, for instance, talk about the therapeutic — almost meditative — feeling when they’re spinning. In this day and age, we all need something that will put us in a creative comfort zone.

“And wearing a nice, warm, handcrafted scarf around your neck helps your shoulders relax and become unhunched,” she added. “It’s like you are wrapped in someone else’s care. It’s a confirmation of the artists’ skills, and what they’ve offered to the world.”

To learn more, visit duluthfiberguild.org. D

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.