I’m not a member, but I’m interested in learning more about WGNS, can I attend a meeting?
Yes! We welcome visitors and encourage anyone interested in weaving and textile arts to join our meetings. Membership is open to weavers of any level and experience. For more information about joining us as a visitor, email weaversguildnorthshore@gmail.com
Where can I find a full list of programs and workshops for the current guild year?
https://www.weaversguildnorthshore.org/2023-programs-and-workshops/
How do I access the Members Only section of the website? How do I find the username and password?
Once you have filled out the membership form and paid your membership dues you will be given access to the latest Newsletter which will include the Username and Password needed to log in to the Members Only section of the website. The Username and Password are updated yearly.
What is Nightweavers and how can I get more information about it?
Nightweavers is a group that meets at members’ homes during the year. We are an informal group and our programs are decided by consensus. The person hosting for the month provides our meeting space (usually the living room) and provides beverages. The co-hostess brings snacks both sweet and savory. If you are interested, please join us. Questions? Please contact Dagmar Klos (dagmarklos@aol.com).
What is in the Guild Library and how do I access it?
WGNS has an extensive library that includes books, periodicals, and monographs, collected since our founding in 1954. Our library is currently housed at The Chicago Weaving School (4201 W. Irving Park, Chicago, IL 60641). The full list of titles can be found on the About / Library page: https://www.weaversguildnorthshore.org/about/ . To check out books and for other information, please email Library Chair Lindsey Wilson (linsruthwilson@gmail.com)
Can I join the guild at any time?
Yes! Our guild year officially begins in January, but new members are welcome year-round. Please visit https://www.weaversguildnorthshore.org/membership/ for membership forms & payment options OR contact Membership Chair Korah Erbacher (koraherbacher@yahoo.com). IMPORTANT: Our volunteer board and committee chair members spend January and February meeting, planning, and ironing out all of the details for the coming year. Our first official guild meeting is held in March.
How do I pay my guild dues?
Dues can be paid online via PayPal (visit https://www.weaversguildnorthshore.org/membership/) or personal checks can be brought to any meeting or mailed to Membership Chair Korah Erbacher (7238 N Albany Ave. Chicago, IL 60645-1148). Make payable to Weavers Guild of the North Shore
Does the guild participate in any philanthropic giving?
Yes! In addition to our mission of educating our members and the community, we are also dedicated to the promotion of fiber arts through philanthropy. Most recently, the guild has donated to Fine Line Creative Arts Center, The Chicago Weaving School, Weaving a Real Peace, and Adop-A-Native Elder Program. In addition, the guild also funds two grants:
The Merle Gable Grant, which is administered through the Handweavers Guild of America (https://weavespindye.org/grants/) and
The Irene Suyoka Fund, established in memory of Irene Suyeoka (1923-2010), a long-time weaver, teacher, and WGNS member. The purpose of this grant is to provide financial assistance to WGNS members interested in attending weaving and fiber arts events. The application form is available in the Members Only section of the guild website.
What is the Fine Art of Fiber?
Fine Art of Fiber (FAOF) is an annual show and sale jointly organized by the Weavers Guild of the North Shore (WGNS), Illinois Quilters Inc. (IQI), and the North Suburban NeedleArts Guild (NSNG). It is one of the oldest and most prestigious fiber art shows in the Midwest, and a wonderful opportunity to see and purchase locally crafted fiber and textile works. Fine Art of Fiber is held each year at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois.
For information about participating, please visit our guild website: https://www.weaversguildnorthshore.org/fine-art-of-fiber/