On April 3, 1957 Mrs. J.J. Wuerthner became the President of the Great Falls Montana Institute of the Arts Weavers Guild. The initial meeting was held at the home of Clista Wuerthner Great Falls, Montana. Eight women along with two husbands, formed the charter group at that first meeting and the ranks soon numbered 18. As was the tradition in the 50's, many of the members were identified as Mrs. (husbands first name) Surname. Imagination helps us to see that these early meetings were gentle gatherings of women wearing gloves, Sunday dress, and hats and serving tea after the business of the meeting. In the early years, meetings were held in rotation in the member’s homes. Many of the minutes of the meetings were actually written in "shorthand," another sign of the times!

Montana was the ideal state for a weaver’s guild. There was and continues to be a strong heritage in sheep husbandry including not just sheep for food, but for the wonderful fiber....WOOL.

The fledgling guild was very quick to build the membership and focus on education for members and the public. The tradition of delivering classes and providing public exhibitions throughout the region began in these early years and continues today. Since 1959 the guild has had an important role in exhibiting and demonstrating at the State Fair each summer. The State Fair also provided the venue for display and judging of the weaver’s projects.

To expand their vision beyond this rural state, the guild routinely brought traveling exhibits from other states and in fact, from around the world. Additionally, members traveled to other states for conferences bringing back samples and ideas for new techniques. Monthly programs throughout the years were rich with creative vision.

Meetings were organized around business and a program which sometimes included slide presentations, traveling trunk shows, how to make equipment and accessories, and of course weaving techniques. Show and tell was evident and continues to be a part of the regular meetings today.

Spinning began to have a formal place during meetings in the 60's and in 1975 a spinners guild held its organizational meeting. Following quickly was the joining of the two guilds and the initial set of By-laws in 1976.

There have been members who have achieved national and international recognition for their expertise; members holding the Certificate of Excellence; and many individuals through the years who have been recognized for their life work and fiber projects.

To this day, the guild is devoted to spinning, weaving, dyeing, basketweaving, beading and embellishments, and other fiber arts. Members of the guild embrace outreach throughout the community as a mechanism for stimulating interest in these arts. Events always include activities for young children and hands on too for adults. Membership in regional and national organizations promotes interest in the development of excellence within the guild.

In May, 2007 the Great Falls Spinners and Weavers Guild will be celebrating this wonderful heritage of the first 50 years, and recognizing its active role in the future of the fiber arts in Montana. During the Fourth Annual Fiber Festival, the theme of our heritage will be threaded throughout with current and historical displays; recognition of our living treasures...our members...; and culminating with a special Celebratory Banquet.

If you are interested in participating or joining us visit our new Web site for details. If you are wondering about the history of your own fiber guild, check out your archives and be surprised at the powerful women and men who have created the place in the fiber world in which you now reside!

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