In 1988, a small group of weavers, spinners, knitters, basket makers and other fiber enthusiasts from Cook County gathered to share ideas, foster support, and begin the Northwoods Fiber Guild. The vision of the original founders was to provide assistance and promote educational opportunities for members and the greater community.
Thirty years later – and still growing, the NFG continues its mission – a nonprofit organization for charitable, scientific, and education purposes, encouraging people to explore creativity with fibers in all varied forms. Membership averages 60 people along the North Shore from Duluth to Thunder Bay.
Member interest varies from producing handmade items, to demonstrating fiber crafts, or teaching classes. Engaging young people has been a focus of NFG by providing hands-on activities at public and charter schools, North House Folk School, Grand Marais Art Colony, and local events. NFG has sponsored national fiber instructors for workshops and offers scholarships to participants.
The NFG enjoys sharing their love of fiber crafts with the community to promote knowledge and appreciation of age-old fiber arts – from traditional to modern trends. Special events in the past include their annual NFG holiday sale, participation at the Grand Marais Art Fair, the ECO Small Footprint Living Fair, Cook County Fair, Hovland Art Fest, NHFS Wooden Boat Festival, and the Farmers Market.
NFG has been featured in art exhibitions at Johnson Heritage Post Museum and Grand Marais Art Colony. In 2004 NFG had the honor of hosting the annual conference of the MN Federation of Weavers Guilds & Fiber Artists in Grand Portage – a definite high point for the guild.
What started as a simple idea has grown into an active community of fiber artists extending beyond borders. Their common thread is a commitment to creativity, workmanship, education, and a shared passion about fiber crafts with each other and the public. NFG extends a sincere thank you to the organizations that have contributed or networked with them through the years and to everyone who has helped along the way.
Join the NFG celebrate this milestone year at the next art exhibition entitled Through Our Hands V on Friday, June 22, 2018 at Johnson Heritage Post Museum. The opening reception will be from 5-7 p.m. For more information about NFG and upcoming events, look on Facebook @ Northwoods Fiber Guild.
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