Outreach

WGSL is committed to promoting interest in textile arts to the general public. We host a range of outreach programs including exhibitions, demonstrations and community projects/displays.  In partnership with numerous organizations we strive to reach a broad section of our community.  Some of our previous local and national partners include Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Artists’ Guild, Art Saint Louis, Fontbonne University, University City Public Library, Richmond Heights Memorial Library, Meramec Valley Public Library, Webster Public Library and Webster Arts.  On a regional and national level we've partnered with Innovations in Textiles (2015, 2019), Handweavers Guild of America Inc., Surface Design Association, and Midwest Weavers Conference.

*Special tribute funds, honoring past guild members, provide awards encouraging young artists through various local art organizations as well as in sponsorship of national programs in partnership with HGA.

*Special awards recognizing excellence in craftsmanship at regional weaving conferences.  These awards are given in honor of past guild members of note.

*Educational funds encourage guild members to pursue their interests and training in fiber related workshops and classes.

Annual Events we typically celebrate in the community:

Spinning and Weaving Week - first week in October - October 4-11, 2021

World Wide Knit in Public Day - June 12, 2021

Current Events:

2021-22 - National sponsor of four nationally recognized speakers for the Handweavers Guild of America's weekly broadcasts of Textiles and Tea, in honor of longtime guild member, Laura Blumenfeld using funds from WGSL Tribute Fund.

Past Events:

 2011 - present ... ongoing consultants regarding various looms and donations in the Missouri History Museum collection.

Demonstations

2000s - present ... annual Textile demonstrations using silk (tablet weaving, multi-harness weaving, spinning, kumihimo braiding, and sashiko stitching) for the Japanese Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden.

 2015 - present ... annual demonstration in the Children's Art Area for the Webster Arts Fair

 2000s - present ... regular displays, lectures, demonstrations and yarnbombing events at local public libraries.

Past Exhibitions: 

2011-12 ... Woven in Time, Missouri History Museum (WGSL retrospective exhibition and fashion show, with demonstrations and lectures)

2011 ... Timeless Fibers at Third Degree Glass Factory

2012 ... Timeless Fibers 2012 at Third Degree Glass Factory

2013 ... That's Paper!?!? At the Saint Louis Artist Guild

2014 ... Adornments  at The Gallery at University City Public Library

2015 ... Fiber Confluence - Art to Wear fashion show in partnership with   INNOVATIONS in TEXTILES 2015 at The Foundry in St Charles

2016 ... Timeless Fibers 2016  at The Gallery at University City Public Library

2017 ... WGSL Guild Exhibit/Display at Midwest Weavers Conference in Indianapolis, IN. awarded 2nd place and People's Choice awards

2019 ... June - WGSL Guild Exhibit/Display at Midwest Weavers Conference in Iowa, awarded People's Choice awards

2019 ... September - Timeless Fibers: Traditions and Beyond at The Gallery at University City Public Library

2019 ... October - reSURFACED at Fontbonne University in partnership with INNOVATIONS IN TEXTILES 2019