History of the Fairbanks Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild

History of the Fairbanks Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild

woven fabric on loom

The Fairbanks Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild was founded by 11 weavers in 1952 and received 501-c-3 status in 1985. In 1991 the guild rented studio space in the Lathrop Building, an old building in downtown Fairbanks. The Guild secured the UAF looms which had been in storage since 1987 and began the UAF Weaving program again in the fall of 1991. Weaving has been part of the UAF curriculum since 1927, in Home Economics and cross referenced with the Art Department.

Purpose

The Fairbanks Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild is a nonprofit educational organization formed to:
— Act as a conduit for information that contributes to the growth of knowledge in our heritage of weaving, spinning, textiles and fiber arts through meetings, fellowship and related activities.
— Sponsor and support educational events such as workshops, lectures, exhibits, demonstrations and the like that promote weaving, spinning, and fiber arts.
— Encourage improvement of our work through comparison and sharing of techniques.
— Promote interest in our weaving and spinning heritage among members of the community.

Membership

Membership is open to anyone interested in weaving, spinning and the fiber arts. Annual dues are $30.00 per year, due in March. Membership for new members after the Tanana Valley Fair in August until March is $15.00.