Less than a decade later in 1926, The Weavers' Guild of Saint Louis was organized as an outgrowth of this first weaving class. The Guild's goal: to reach a high standard of excellence through mutual helpfulness.

Members of the new Guild adopted the structure of the Weavers' Guild of Boston. They met monthly and submitted at least one piece of weaving yearly for criticism and approval. The Guild held public exhibitions every two or three years, including several at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Fine ornamental hangings with exotic motifs were woven in the 1920's, and in the 1930's popular items such as table linens and purses were produced. One of these purses woven by still-active member Jeanne Henke is included in the exhibition.

Membership grew until WWII, when rationing and heavy demands on time took a toll on attendance at Guild meetings. Many went into the Armed Services or served as Arts and Skills Volunteers at army posts and Veterans Hospitals. Still others wove lap robes for the Red Cross. The shortage of weaving materials was one of the factors in the 1944 closing of the Weaving Department at the School of Fine Arts.

After the war, the Guild gradually regained active membership through the determined efforts of Minnie Wuerpel, Libbie Crawford and Helen Wenzel. By 1950, as many as 95 members met monthly at Scruggs-Vandervoort-Barney's Music Hall, one of many venues used by the Guild over the years.

With the explosion of activity in the fiber arts in the 1960s and ‘70s, weaving became a viable art form. Previously functional techniques found more artistic avenues to express ideas. But a continuity of weaving techniques can be found from the earlier historical pieces to the most contemporary weaving. And the computer as a design aid and loom accessory has put another tool in the hands of weavers.

Today, the St. Louis Weaver's Guild has 150 members representing all aspects of fiber-related art, including weavers, spinners, dyers, basketmakers, surface designers, curators and instructors. The group designs it’s programs to encourage interest in the art and craft of fibers through lectures, demonstrations, workshops and exhibitions. The Guild, a non-profit organization, maintains Scholarship Funds for continuing education in fiber-related fields and gives monetary awards to fiber artists in local and regional art shows.

In June 2001, the Guild's membership celebrates its 75th anniversary by hosting the Midwest Weavers' Conference, and the HGA "Small Expressions" Exhibit at the St. Louis Artists Guild.

We take great pride in coming full circle to our School of Fine Arts roots with this 75 year retrospective exhibit at Washington University's Des Lee Gallery.

We would like to thank the following: The St. Louis Art Museum for the loan of the historical weavings and technical assistance. Karen Albin for her expertise in hanging the show and Linda Rees for photo coordination. Joe Oglander of Commercial Letter for printing this catalog.

Published In Memory of Margaret Grant, a cherished friend and gifted member, for her continuing contributions.

Quotes:

"After 67 years in the guild, I still find pleasure in weaving and the close friends who share this love" - Connie Hilgert

"50 years ago after joining the guild, Libbie Crawford became my weaving teacher and best friend, giving me a life time advocacy" -Helen Wenzel