You have reached the website of Wisconsin Handweavers, Inc. Here you will find information about our organization, our mission, our leadership, our annual show and sale and how to contact us. The following is a bit about our history:
The Wisconsin Federation of Handweavers began in 1950 with a request for charter members and $3.00 annual dues. Five women formed an organizing committee and determined the purposes of the new organization which were:
· To establish a non-profit organization of Wisconsin hand weavers.
· To establish standards of Craftsmanship,
· To conduct or sponsor state and regional shows.
Ten area weavers held the first meeting of the organization in January of 1951, at the Charles Allis Art Library. Meetings were held at the Charles Allis until the group outgrew the space. Meetings are currently held at Gaenslen School, the site of the Alice Bertschy Kadish Weaving Center. In 1985, the group officially changed its name to Wisconsin Handweavers, Inc. Wisconsin Handweavers was granted 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status in 2007.
Education has always been a major focus of the organization. The first WFH bulletin was published in 1951 and the first sample page and swatch was added in 1952. The sample page remains a popular part of the monthly newsletter and an important link for weavers throughout Wisconsin and neighboring states. The Wisconsin Handweavers' Newsletter is published prior to each monthly meeting from September through May (except January).
For nearly 60 years, WHI has promoted the art of hand weaving through juried exhibits, guild and workshop contributions, children’s exhibits, fashion shows, and sales of work by local weavers. Other educational activities include numerous weaving workshops, and member appearances at schools, art fairs and shows. Volunteers from WHI work with children at Gaenslen School during the academic year.
Over the years, many well-known fiber arts professionals have spoken and taught at WHI meetings and workshops. These have included: Mary E. Snyder, Berta Frey, Jack Lenor Larsen, Else Regensteiner, Malin Selander, Virginia West, Alberje Koopman, Ede Rigbe, Victor Jacoby, Anita Luvera, Heather Winslow, Daryl Lancaster and Jason Collingwood.
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