history
In 1947, a weaver named Jane Barnes put a notice in the newspaper asking
all weavers interested in forming a guild to meet and discuss it. In
October, twenty persons signed up as charter members of the newly formed
Santa Barbara Handweavers' Guild. Barnes served as its first president.
The early guild met in members' homes, published a newsletter with woven
samples in each issue, and enforced strict rules about attendance. Over
the years, the guild has become both more relaxed and more eclectic.We
changed our name to Santa Barbara Fiber Arts Guild to represent more
accurately the members' interests. We are no longer only weavers; we
are also spinners, dyers, basket makers, felt makers, paper makers,
lacers, silk painters, knitters, crocheters, needleworkers, braiders,
book artists and more. Our membership has grown to over 100. We are
affiliated with the Association of Southern California Handweavers (ASCH),
and the Handweavers Guild of America (HGA).
Sherrill Kahn
Hebe Bartz