Promoting Weaving and Fiber Arts since 1947
Columbia Weavers and Spinners’ Guild is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that promotes and supports fiber artists in mid-Missouri. Its purpose is to increase public awareness and to enhance the appreciation of all aspects of fiber arts. Fiber enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels are welcomed as members.
The guild was founded in 1947 as the Columbia Weavers Guild and specialized in weaving alone. Since our founding we have grown to encompass other fiber arts such as spinning, dyeing, felting, papermaking, knitting, basketweaving, surface design and other textiles arts. Now called the Columbia Weavers and Spinners’ Guild, we welcome weavers, spinners and fiber enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels. Members include beginners, hobbyists, professionals and teachers.
The guild meets monthly from September through June. Each meeting includes an educational program about fibers or textiles. Guild members may also participate in one or more of several study groups that meet monthly, and members may borrow books and other materials from the guild’s extensive library. They can also rent spinning, weaving and felting equipment. Each member receives The Tie-Up, a monthly newsletter about guild activities. Members have the opportunity to demonstrate their crafts at local festivals and in schools.
The guild hosts one nationally known teacher most years for a workshop and lecture.
The guild holds an annual Holiday Exhibition & Sale each November. The 2023 sale will be at the American Legion Hall on November 17-18.
Monthly Business
Guild meetings are set for 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month starting in September and continuing through June. At the December meeting, there is a holiday party. In June, there is an end-of-the-year wrap-up with the installation of officers and a potluck picnic. Guild business is discussed at the beginning of each regular meetings, followed by a program about fiber/textile topics and then show-and-tell by members displaying their latest creations or objects that might be of interest to other guild members. Meetings are held at Bethel Baptist Church, 201 E. Old Plank Road, Columbia, MO 65203.
Executive Board
The elected officers — president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer — make up the Executive Board of the guild. The Executive Committee includes the Executive Board, all committee chairs, a representative from each study group and a trustee from each of the Verna Wulfekammer Memorial Trust Fund Board of Trustees and the Educational Scholarship Fund Review Committee. The president may call an Executive Board meeting at any time. Executive Committee meetings are required twice a year, once before the guild first meeting in September and once in January. Additional meeting may be called as needed. All meeting are open to guild members and the public.