The 2023 ANWG Conference will present a number of opportunities to meet friends, learn something new and have fun. In addition to our highly anticipated keynote speaker, Jeanne Carver, many member guilds of the Weaving Guilds of Oregon have volunteered to coordinate several other events to make the conference experience one to remember. Here’s a preview of some of the events the Conference Committee is planning for your enjoyment June 11-18, 2023.                      Ila McCallum, Events & Activities Chair

 Keynote speaker – Jeanne Carver, person extraordinaire

Jeanne and her late husband Dan have been the force behind Imperial Stock Ranch since the late 1980’s. She and the Imperial Stock Ranch became the face of Ralph Lauren’s ‘Made in America’ Olympic uniform program for the 2014 Winter Olympics, and for the 2018 Winter Olympics, Jeanne was again their voice for American Wool. Her latest effort, Imperial Stock Ranch – Shaniko Wool Company, is bringing the only fully traceable U.S. wool supply certified under the Responsible Wool Standard (https://textileexchange.org/responsible-wool/) to the needle arts, apparel and home fashion industries.

Jeanne is a dynamic person who will not only be our keynote speaker, but you will see her throughout the conference.

Interesting local venues – Salem Fiberarts Guild

Local museums and heritage sites abound in the Central Oregon area, as well as internationally known craft brewers, wineries and wonderful shopping. In addition, the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean are just a short drive away. We will have maps, directions and lots of fun ideas for places you will want to explore during your stay in Central Oregon.

Demonstrations/Spin-in, Knit-in, Weave-in – WeGO

Demonstrations of all types of fiber arts will be held at the Conference Thursday-Saturday, June 15-18. Bringing people together to share fiber arts during a special time devoted to their favorite fiber pursuit is the goal of informal gatherings. This will be a special designated area, or several areas, where people can come, sit and enjoy each other’s company.

Door prizes – Klamath Spinners & Weavers Guild

Door prizes are fun for everyone. Be sure to get your name in for the prizes and hopefully take home one you will love. These prizes are provided by our sponsors and vendors and are sure to please.

Conference Colors Exhibit – Central Oregon Spinners & Weavers Guild

This event is a chance for ANWG members to be creative and use conference colors in original ways weaving towels, yardage, making garments, etc. The colors are fun to work with and harmonize beautifully. For information on the exhibit and colors, go to the website https://anwgconference.org/archive/2023//conference-colors-exhibit/

Shuttle Race – Clatsop Weavers & Spinners Guild

A shuttle race is a soap box derby-type race using shuttles as cars. These are not regular shuttles; these have been made into super fun little cars that run down a ramp to the cheers of onlookers. You will not want to miss this fun event!

Towel Exchange – Saturday Handweavers Guild, Rogue Valley Handweavers

The towel exchange is looked forward to by attendees with towel weaving beginning months in advance of the event. Consider making a unique towel for the exchange and take a special towel made by another fellow weaver home with you.

Textile History of the Gorge – Gorge Handweavers Guild

The Columbia River Gorge is a geographical highlight of the Pacific Northwest and has a lot of fascinating textile history. We hope to have a wonderful exhibit from the many museums of the Gorge area.

Other events planned for conference:

In addition to the many fun events noted above, we are planning for the ANWG History Group to meet and members of Complex Weavers are also planning a meet-up. There will be opportunities for you to participate in Bonnie Cashin’s Noh Coat Challenge https://anwgconference.org/archive/2023//noh-coat-challenge/ ; the juried and open shows, and the fashion show https://anwgconference.org/archive/2023//fashion-show/ . Guild Booths will be there for viewing https://anwgconference.org/archive/2023//guild-booths/ located in the lower level Exhibit Hall of the Riverhouse Convention Center along with the fabulous Marketplace.

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