CELEBRATION OF FIBERS
An Annual Exhibition of the Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers
at the Schuylkill Gallery, March 1-April 12, 2008

This year's Exhibition will be held at the Schuylkill Gallery located at 3510 Scotts Lane at Sherman Mills complex in the East Falls section of Philadelphia from March 1st through April 12th, 2008. The Opening Reception for the artists and the public will be held on Saturday March 8th from 5-8pm.

This year's exhibit has been planned to coincide with a National Fiber Art Symposium held at the University of the Arts. This symposium has sparked an interest in the Fiber arts throughout the Philadelphia region. Galleries all over the city will be exhibiting Fiber during the months of March and April. This is an opportunity to really showcase our guild and the talent we have among us.

Following PGHW’s philosophy, “We learn by doing and grow by sharing,” the annual juried exhibition serves as a showcase for both the experienced and emerging fiber artist and as an educational experience for the growing membership and general public. Exceptional craftsmanship among participants and constructive criticism from expert jurors encourages both the integrity of craft and craftsperson.                      

Our annual Guild exhibition aims to encourage each member to continue creating fiber art and, by displaying that work, to inspire each other and the public. We take time during one month each year to acknowledge and celebrate the hours of work spent in classrooms, in study groups, and within our own homes and studios.           

The jury process has two goals: to maintain and raise the level of artwork and its presentation at our annual Guild exhibition and, through the judges’ comments and suggestions, to encourage and support our members in their efforts, helping us all to grow as artists and to refine our work. All juried work must be of your own design, not copied from a book or magazine. You may elect to submit work but forego having it judged by the jurors if you choose. Please note that only pieces receiving scores by our jurors are eligible for awards.                     

Prior to the exhibition, a three-person Standards Committee will screen all entries on the basis of craftsmanship and condition. The committee reserves the right to refuse any pieces due to unprofessional presentation or misrepresentation. Any pieces not of exhibit quality will be returned with appropriate explanations and comments. Members will have the opportunity to re-submit their pieces the following year.               

Exhibition Awards

PGHW awards three memorial prizes and accompanying plaques, along with the other awards listed here. Three-time winners are retired from eligibility for the same award, but may compete for other awards.

The Kathryn Wellman Memorial Award for imaginative weaving incorporating design, color and texture.                  

The J. Willard Lord Memorial Award for technical excellence in weaving.                  

Tokiko Kitao Memorial Award for excellence in tapestry weaving, including design, technique and presentation. The award may also honor the art of dyeing and its appropriateness in the piece exhibited.

Complex Weaver’s Award for excellence in weaving an original piece with a complex interlacement of fibers beyond plain weave.  There is no requirement that the piece must be woven on a designated number of shafts or on a multi-shaft loom.                       

The Handweavers Guild of America Award for outstanding creativity and craftsmanship in the weaving arts.                             

The Handwoven Magazine Award for exceptional work in the area of handwoven functional items for home use.                     

The PGHW Award for Handspinning for the best use of handspun yarn, spun by the artist.                             

The PGHW Award for Hand-Dyeing for the best use of hand-dyed fiber, dyed by the artist.                     

The PGHW Award for Fiber Art for the best use of a non-loom fiber technique.

Juror's Choice Award