The Valley Fiber Arts Guild is based in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley in Alaska, an area covering everything from Palmer to Houston.
We were founded as a non-profit organization in 1983. Our mission is to educate and promote the fiber arts, which includes all aspects of textile production.
History
The Valley Fiber Arts Guild became “official” in April of 1983. Vickie Cole was one of the primary forces guiding the group formation. Vickie had developed the weaving program at the Mat-Su campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). The classes were popular, and she was always encouraging the students to try new techniques. As more people became interested in fiber arts beyond the classes offered, she suggested that a guild could fulfill the need.
It is unclear exactly when the first meeting took place, but it all comes back to Vickie, and that without her the guild would not have formed. Fortunately, she was passionate about this, and Valley Fiber Arts Guild formed and continues to meet monthly. Since forming, the guild has met in a church, the college, homes, library, and now in the meeting room at Turkey Red.
All areas of fiber arts are involved. There has always been a focus on outreach and education. Countless demonstrations have been given in classrooms throughout the valley. The guild hosts a Spinning Bee in the early spring and are a sponsor for the Fiber Festival in July. In conjunction with the Anchorage Spinner’s and Weavers Guild the Valley Fiber Arts Guild does demonstrations daily at the Alaska State Fair.
Each spring and fall there is a weekend retreat to totally immerse yourself in fiber with plenty of vendors to tempt your wallet, a massage therapist, and even a “wheel doctor” if your spinning wheel is being persnickety. Members are shameless when someone shows an interest outside of their usual craft, the enabling is fantastic. You will never be discouraged from expanding knowledge; someone is always available to advise and share.
To contact the guild or the board please email: info@valleyfiberarts.org
Board of Directors:
President: Kelsey Gerke
Vice President: Valerie Groseclose
Secretary: Amanda Johnson
Treasurer: Tracey Eason
Communications: Julia Lenz
Historian: Linda Loven
Workshop Coordinator: Natalie Wolfe