weavers guild of minnesota annual report · weavers guild of minnesota annual report. september 1,...

Lou French

Weavers Guild of Minnesota ANNUAL REPORT

September 1, 2009-August 31, 2010

Lou French

The mission of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota is to educate and

support its members and the community, and to advance the arts of weaving, spinning, and dyeing.

Jen Cuff

2 2009-2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Letter from Our Presidents

The Weavers’ Guild of Minnesota (WGM) has a purpose…“of educating and supporting its members and the community, and advancing the arts of weaving, spinning, and dyeing.” (WGM Strategic Plan, 2008) We are part of a fiber community where the common threads are individual creativity and love of textiles. This year the WGM celebrated 70 years as a dynamic organization in the community and is recognized regionally as well as nationally as an institution of distinction in fiber arts. Our current membership is at 530 members. Historically the last time the membership has been over 500 members was 1974. We have diligently submitted grant proposals to various foundations. Through these efforts we were awarded over $51,000. We received grants from the Metropolitan Regional arts Council (MRAC), the Community Arts and Arts Learning, the Smith Foundation, the Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation, and the Minnesota State Arts Board Community Arts Schools. The membership has generously supported their organization by personal donations of $23,931. In order to be fiscally responsible, the Board formed a permanent Finance Committee to develop “best practice” management of the Guild’s funds and financial opportunities. This committee will advise the board on fiscal oversight and financial policies as well as provide guidance regarding financial management activities. Communicating electronically has helped us reach a wider audience of members and potential members and has reduced costs. It has also increased communication between committees. Our future is bright. The Board will embark on a planning process to look at our next three years and revise our strategic plan accordingly. Members have logged thousands of volunteer hours for a myriad of tasks. Without this vital force - our volunteers - the Guild could not survive. We say “thank you” to all those individuals and organizations that have helped us make this a successful year.

Kathleen Jordan Louise French President, 2010 President, 2011

2009-2010 ANNUAL REPORT 3

New classes, technology advancements, a complete curriculum, fabulous instructors and a summer youth program are just a few of the Education highlights achieved this past year. Student numbers are at an all-time high, 603, up 83 from the previous year. Our talented and dedicated teaching staff continues to deliver quality instruction, stellar reviews and a plethora of exciting courses, 103 in total. Several skill based courses, together with Classroom Assistants, added to the growth and success of the education program in many valuable and creative ways. The fine tuned beginning classes now provide students with a clear course guideline to follow, be it floor or frame loom weaving, spinning, off loom techniques, or dyeing. Visit www.weaverguildmn.org and click on ‘Classes and Workshops,’ then ‘Classes by Skill Level’ to see the breakdown of the current catalog listing. Students participated in a total of 1205 classroom hours and 13 Classroom Assistants were placed in a variety of classes. Interest in classes and workshops have been strong. Classes such as the Try It’s, Weave It-Sew It-Wear It, Ply Split Braiding – Beyond Key Rings, Rep Weave and Color, Dye It to Spin It, Navajo Weaving and Adult Fiber Camp, along with visiting artist workshops Camp Pluckyfluff with Lexi Beoger, Woven Pixel Techniques for Dobby Looms with Alice Schlien and Hands on Color with Cameron Taylor Brown provided opportunities to challenge, inspire, build new skills, encourage creativity and enjoy WGM’s vibrant weaving and spinning community. The nine workshops, four more than the previous year, included nationally and internationally recognized artists serving 120 participants. WGM’s education program has three fully equipped classrooms and abundant accessories making us a significant resource for all ages and all abilities.

EDUCATION


http://www.weaverguildmn.org/�

Other exciting education happenings included the addition of five Louet S51 spinning wheels, an “A” Series Compu-Dobby III loom, two amazing summer youth courses (co-sponsored with the Textile Center), dozens of Study Group sessions and projects, such as a day of weaving for the LOCALS group (sponsored by the MRAC). Enhancements to the Fiber Source retail area of the Guild have provided more yarn and fiber-related books for students and the general public. The Education Committee team members work diligently to create a vision for Guild education through the following Task Groups: Curriculum, Catalog and Scheduling, Workshops & Programs, Open Houses, Tuition Assistance, Class & Workshop Promotions, Continuing Education and AVL. In addition, continuing faculty training was provided on topics of loom maintenance, library and references, class handout development, pixeLoom software utilization, and LCD projector operation. It’s a great time to be a part of this amazing organization!


COMMUNITY Volunteers The Weavers Guild of Minnesota is very proud to have volunteering as a hallmark of our organization. Our guild operates with two paid staff members and dozens of volunteers. Our volunteers are comprised of members who have several hours a month to serve, as well as members who have an hour or two a month to give. Every volunteer hour is welcomed and greatly appreciated. Volunteers are recognized and celebrated at a banquet event in the spring. In 2009, over 3250 volunteer hours were logged by members of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota. Volunteer activities include:

• Serving on the Board of Directors • Managing and operating the specialty store, Fiber Source • Writing, editing, and designing the monthly newsletter • Maintaining the guild library and archive collection • Demonstrating in libraries, schools, and at festivals • Demonstrating all days of the Minnesota State Fair • Organizing and hosting special events like Fiber Fair and the

Open Houses • Working in the office on Saturdays and during special events • Organizing and hanging exhibits

Members who look to volunteer have many areas in which to devote their time and talents. We have several committee positions just waiting for eager members to take part and help to give the Guild direction.


Study Groups These support and focus groups, led by members, gather to discuss topics of specific interest and are open to all members. Existing groups reflect the current interests of its members – groups can be formed and disbanded any time. Meeting times and places are published in the newsletter and posted on the website calendar. Current Study Groups:

• Banditos • Dobby Weavers • Ply Split Study Group • Rag Rug Study Group • Rigid Heddle Study Group • Scandinavian Weavers • Sunna Sisters Spinning Study Group • Tapestry Study Group • Whorling Spinsters • Woven Pixel Study Group

Fiber Fair Each November the Weavers Guild of Minnesota hosts Fiber Fair, an annual sale of fiber art created by Guild members. The goals of Fiber Fair are to provide members with an opportunity to showcase and sell quality work, and to provide increased visibility and income for the Weavers Guild of Minnesota. In 2009, the guild celebrated 35 years of holding Fiber Fair. Over 60 artists were represented at Fiber Fair, and it was the guild’s most successful sale to date, grossing over $55,000 in sales. All proceeds from Fiber Fair support local fiber artists (Fiber Fair artists receive 75% of the sales) and the Weavers Guild of Minnesota .

Caryn Lantz 2009-2010 ANNUAL REPORT 7

Member Profile At the start of our fiscal year 2009-2010 the Guild had 524 members, crossing the 500 number for the first time. Some information about them: 10 of Minnesota’s counties were represented by at least 5 members, with Hennepin County and Ramsey County having the most members (39% Hennepin, 24% Ramsey). We had 13% of our membership from counties other than Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, Dakota, Anoka, Carver, Rice, Scott, St. Croix, and St. Louis. Our Guild is 93% female, 7% male; 49% of our members are retired; ages range from the 9% who are older than 75, through the 20% who are between 65 and 74, the 44% who are 55-64, 20% who are 45 to 54, 6% who are 35-44, and 2% who are between 25 and 34. Our members are loyal, with 13% having been members for more than 20 years, 19% who have been members for between 9 and 20 years, and 13% who have been members from 5 to 8 years. On the other hand, 29% of our members were new (less than a year), 14% had been members 1 to 2 years, and 11 $ had been members for 3 or 4 years. In future years we will be querying members about their weaving/spinning/dyeing interests, and the types of looms they use. Knowing more about our members helps us serve them better with classes, workshops, and Guild activities.

Rag Rug Study Group


Membership Statistics Members as of October 2009 = 524

County 39% Hennepin 24% Ramsey 5% Washington 5% Dakota 5% Anoka 2% Carver 2% Rice 1% Scott 1% St. Croix 1% St. Louis 13% Other

Membership Type 84% Individual 8% Supporting 6% Sustaining 2% Honorary, Guild Compliment

Membership Duration 29% < 1 Year 14% 1-2 Years 11% 3-4 Years 13% 5-8 Years 19% 9-20 Years 13% 20+ Years

Gender 93% Female 7% Male

Occupation 49% Retired 44% Professional 7% Other 0% Students

Age 0% 18-24 2% 25-34 6% 35-44 20% 45-54 44% 55-64 20% 65-74 9% 75 and older

Kids Under 18 90% No 10% Yes


RESOURCES Fiber Source Over the last few years, the guild’s specialty store, Fiber Source, expanded its inventory; it grew from supplying only students and to a fantastic resource for fiber enthusiasts. It has become a significant revenue stream for the guild. The store offers a complete supply of yarns, ready-to-spin fleece, books, and a variety of weaving accessories. Customers can take advantage of a local access and knowledgeable support to ordering Schacht equipment. The store volunteers accept, price, and sell donated used equipment and yarn, the proceeds from which wholly benefit the guild. The future goals for Fiber Source Committee include

•To determine new products to carry and set further direction •To evaluate the need to add additional yarn for classes •To develop an advertising plan •To increase Schacht special order sales


Facilities & Equipment The Weavers Guild of Minnesota has been the anchor tenant in the Textile Center since 2001. The guild leases space with three permanent classrooms, a kitchenette, an office and store area. There is wall space for member exhibits and room to house the guild’s special collection library. The guild can rent additional space from the Textile Center, like the auditorium for member meetings and the dye lab for classes. Our classrooms are fully equipped for students and members. Equipment includes:

•12 Schacht Floor Looms •10 Kessenich Floor Looms •1 Toika Floor Loom •1 AVL Compu-Dobby Loom •22 Spinning Wheels •Inkle Looms •Frame Looms


Technology In 2009, the guild implemented various forms of technology to improve communications with members and students, broaden our reach to those interested the guild’s offerings, increase the accessibility of the guild, and use fewer resources to become a more “green” organization. Achievements include:

•Implement an email marketing program and a corresponding blog for member and student communications, to better relay the events and offerings of the organization.

•Actively use social media pages (i.e. Facebook and Twitter), which

have become resources for fiber enthusiasts, textile and fibers organizations, both locally and nationally.

•Design a comprehensive website that includes an online class

reservation option, for current and new students to sign up for classes 24/7.


Library The Weavers Guild of Minnesota Library includes an extensive swatch collection, periodicals, and rare and current fiber art books. The collections are generally maintained by the guild’s Library Committee and Archive Committee. The balance of the Guild's books is maintained as part of the Textile Center's combined library. The Guild contributes $1.00 per member annually to maintain the Textile Center library and to help support the professional librarian, Nancy Mambi, who is responsible for the stewardship of this unique collection.

•232 books in the WGM Reference •2753 WGM books in the Textile Center Library •945 WGM magazines in the Textile Center Library •19,000+ circulating and reference items in the Textile Center Library


FINANCIAL REPORT

Balance Sheet August 31 2010 Assets Operating Cash $73,357.65 Cash Reserve $76,210.89 Accts Receivable $3,267.25 Fixed Assets $20,214.05 Other Current Assets $427.52 Total $173,477.36

Liabilities & Equity Payroll $ 2,274.32 FY 11 Tuition $7,622.00 FY 11 Dues $4,570.00 Gift Certificates $858. 20 Equity $157,367.08 Sales Tax $ 785.76 Total Liabilities &Equity: $173,477.36


DONORS The Weavers Guild of Minnesota would like to thank our

2009-2010 donors! Your contribution helps our organization thrive!

Michelle Alberg Amy Andersen Susan Andrews Brenda Andrewson Judy Avoles Peggy Baldwin Charles Benson Jack Boman Judy Bratt Lucy Brusic Katherine Buenger Loretta Burns Bonnie Buzza Sue Bye Kathleen Caldwell Connie Campbell Veronna Capone Sandra Chabot Shelley Chase Olsen Terrance Christiansen Judy Clare Jane Connett Janet Czaia Marian Quanbeck Dahlberg Betty David

Pamela J. Davis Kala Exworthy Sue Farley Carolyn Finegan Becky Franklin Nancy Fulton Brenda Gabriel


Judy Gage Nancy Gossell Nedra Granquist Linda Hansen Donna Hanson Doris Hart Joyce Harter Ann Haushild Stephen Heebink Susan Hensel Jo Hill Fran Hirsch Garnet Holmstadt Marilyn Hunter Robyn Husebye Kathy Huset Francie Iverson Carol Johnson Jan Johnson Wayne Johnson Jane Johnston

Nancy Jones Kathleen Jordan Eleanor Kline Barbara Krueger Carolyn Lageson Caryn Lantz Judy Larson Sue Leizinger Deborah Lindberg Anne Lindgren Deborah Lipkin Loretta Litke Lisa Lund Bonnie Lurye Rosemary MacFarlane Kathy Mack Linda Madden Susan Mansfield Mary Martinson Cathie Mayr Nadine McCoy Jan McNelly Janet Meany Nancy Menzel Margaret Miller Claire Most Jan Mostrom Jan L. Nelson Janet Nelson Lila Nelson Paul O’Connor Margaret Olson Sandy Olson-Loy Thais-Maria Orlow Cindy Owen Charlotte Palmiter Valinda Pearson Rod Pedley


Mary W. Peterson Paula Pfaff Judith Preckshot Linda Quammen Teresa Razidlo Lane Reedy Geri Retzlaff Ellen Richard Barbara Ruuska Lea Scherer Angela Schreiber Marjorie Ford Sethna Sarah Seufert Deb Sharpee Sandra Sheppard Madeline Shinbach Eleanor Skoog Mary & Glenn Skoy Bill Smale Anita Smits Mary Snelgrove Nada Sogge

Sandra Somdahl Dianne Stiff Sally Stinson Helen Stoerzinger Judy Stowe Karen Swanton Beverly Tesch Sharon Tessman Hoiland Jere Thompson Natasha Thoreson Evelyn Torkelson Paul Verrette Phyllis Waggoner Suzanne Walsh Maryann Watters Wendy West Marjorie Wezeman Marty Reed Willett Beth Wilson Betty K. Wilson Sharon Wilson Roberta Zeug Shell Anonymous (4)


Caryn Lantz

STAFF Becky Franklin, Office Manager and Guild Assistant Linda Hansen, Education Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2009-2010 Kathleen Jordan, President Barbara Jefferies, President-Elect (Sept-March) Louise French, President-Elect (March-August) Suzanne Walsh, Vice President JoAnn Christiansen, Secretary Brenda Andrewson, Treasurer Madeline Shinbach, Education Karen Swanton, Development Mary Ann Olme, Outreach Sue Bye, Communications Jan Nelson, Volunteer Coordinator Bonnie Buzza, New Member Rep Teresa Razidlo, Past President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2010-2011 Louise French, President Cathie Mayr President-Elect Bonnie Buzza, Vice President JoAnn Christiansen, Secretary Nancy Gossell, Treasurer Madeline Shinbach, Education Sue Bye, Development Karen Swanton, Outreach Caryn Lantz, Communications Jan Nelson, Volunteer Coordinator Kimberly Burnham, New Member Rep Kathleen Jordan, Past President


Weavers Guild of Minnesota 3000 University Avenue SE Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 Phone: 612-436-0463 Email: [email protected] Website: www.weaversguildmn.org

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