First off, I’m really grateful for the response that so many of you have shared concerning our “beginning weaver” idea. Your enthusiasm has moved the conference committee forward, and we’re on to the next steps. We are still looking for feedback (See blog: “I have a dream”), and of course for volunteers. The most important piece of the puzzle will be YOU. Only you can invite a non-weaving friend to conference.
And now for this week’s topic:
I have no doubt that most of you are old hands at ANWG conferences. You know the ins and outs of all the shows and displays. But at my first conference, I was lost trying to figure out the difference between an Open Show and a Juried Show. Worse, I wasn’t sure who could or should be in a fashion show. The whole process of entering something I’d woven seemed overwhelming. I don’t want that for you.
Truth: One of the most exciting parts of any ANWG conference is viewing the amazing things that my fellow weavers have created. There is nothing so inspiring as an up close and personal look at a new structure, or a new color combination. The shows at ANWG are what Julia Cameron (in her book The Artists Way) calls an “artist date,” on steroids!
So, for this post, I phoned Juried and Open Show chair Rae Deane Leatham asking for help. “Imagine,” I began, “that I have something I want to show at ANWG 2025. How do I figure out where I should submit the item?”
Her answer was simple and to the point. “It really comes down to experience and confidence. If you’ve been weaving for quite some time, and you’re pretty confident in your results, you might want to enter the juried show,” she explained. Her committee, though still in the process of establishing procedures, hopes to have two teaching jurors (who have already demonstrated expertise in their area), oversee the Juried Show. With the help of a secretary, they will create written comments for each submission. The goal is for those who submit to the Juried Show to gain concrete feedback which will guide future efforts.
If, on the other hand, you are a newer weaver or if you aren’t ready for feedback, Rae Deane suggests that the Open Show as the place to submit textiles. There, you won’t face comparison or criticism. Instead, you’ll have the pure joy of sharing your latest piece with an audience who deeply appreciates every step of the weaving journey! We’ve all had to take those first steps. And, we really want to see your work!
Now, the last place to share your creation is in the conference Fashion Show. If you’ve created a garment that you’re especially proud of, you might want to strut your stuff in the opening night fashion show. We’d love to see how your creation fits and drapes and shows off your weaving work! You aren’t required to model your own work—models will be available. So, you may decide what works best for you. (By the way, wearable fashion isn’t restricted to the fashion show. You may submit your jackets, tops, shawls etc. to either of the other two shows as well. The only restriction is that any single item may only be entered in one show category).
Formal submissions will begin as registration opens, (early in 2025) and there will be all kinds of information and instructions included on the anwgconference.org website.
Imagining, designing, planning, weaving, and sewing take time. It’s not too soon to let the cogitation begin. I can’t wait to see what you bring!