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CHG
History
| A
Strong Beginning |
| |
On
May 5, 1955, five women drawn together by a common interest in
weaving decided to form a guild to further proficiency in the craft.
Sally Adams was elected president and Helen Woolman, secretary-treasurer.
Other charter members were Mrs. W.C. Alson, Mrs. H.D. Dewar, and
Mrs. W.J. Schnebly. They selected Chattahoochee Handweavers Guild
as the name of the organization, and a notice of the first meeting
on June 3 was placed in the newspaper. Thirty people responded,
and CHG was on its way! |
| The
Early Years |
| |
The
members spent the first year researching weaving history, techniques,
and the nature of the fibers involved. Not content with their own
efforts, CHG engaged Berta Frey to conduct the first workshop in
June, 1956. Her emphasis on quality has become an important aspect
of all CHG activities, and led to the next major milestone. |
| Growth
into Incorporation |
| |
By
1977, CHG had grown to the point of needing a more formal structure.
Therefore, during the 1977-78 year, the guild worked to become
incorporated. A new set of by-laws was drafted and passed and,
in May 1978, the CHG became officially incorporated as a not-for-profit
educational organization. The initial Board of Directors of the
corporation consisted of Jean Hunnicutt, Margaret Mott, Barbara
Brooks, Jean Stangler, Peggy Coker, Tracy Williamson, Lyn Sterling,
Lynn Bolien, Nancy Kaye, and Karen Jenkins. Through
their leadership and others like them CHG continued to grow in
size and stature. |
| Convergence
98 |
| |
The
guild continued to prosper and attain national respect. In 1998,
CHG was chosen to host the Biennial Convention of the Handweavers
Guild of America - Convergence 98. Choosing Rhythms and Hues as
the theme, guild members worked for five years to prepare for the
arrival of fiber enthusiasts from around the world. The result
was a week filled with workshops, studio classes, seminars, meetings,
lectures, fashion shows, exhibits, tours, shopping, and visiting
with fiber friends. With the support of guilds around the southeast,
family, and friends, the Chattahoochee Handweavers Guild made Convergence
98 an experience to remember for everyone who attended. |
| Moving
Ahead |
| |
Membership
in CHG has grown to its present size of over 160 members. Much
of its strength and appeal comes from the varied membership. Professional
weavers, those who weave primarily for pleasure and self-fulfillment,
teachers, students, beginners - anyone with an interest in weaving
and other textile arts is welcome and can feel comfortable here. |
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