President’s Column, September 2020

What a year this has been! There have been so many cancellations, isolations, disruptions, and unexpected events personally and professionally for so many people. Even nature seems to have gone berserk with fires and other potential disasters. It’s an understatement to say we’ll be glad when the pandemic is under control.

The TWS Board is looking ahead optimistically. Laurie O’Neill has been working to update the website. Five hundred dollars was voted to donate to the Archie Brennan retrospective in Scotland and has been sent. April Price is working on planning a retreat for June 2021. Leslie Fesperman is working on planning a TWS workshop and member’s exhibit to go along with the retreat. Even though we don’t know what the status of the pandemic will be by then we do hope that we can go forward and have a real, in- person retreat and exhibit.

Our Facebook page is getting a lot of new “likes.” I’ve posted some things there and TWS does have an Instagram page. It would be so wonderful to see more members’ work there. We have such talent in the group! Your postings on both of these social media pages would be an asset. Please utilize these pages to promote your work and tapestry in general. Input from members is needed and welcome. What would
make TWS more valuable to you? Can you take a job on the board? Remember, this is all volunteer and members make the organization.

Sadly, the reports I’ve been hearing from Membership Chair, Sarah Thomsen, is that membership is down. If you have friends who are former members, please encourage them to re-join. We need the strength of everyone’s talent and membership.

As we go forward, we’ll be looking forward to seeing everyone in person as soon as it’s safe. In the meantime, please share your work and inspiration on TWS Facebook and Instagram.

Stay safe and creative as you weave on!
Terri Bryson

The President’s Column – May 2020

So far, 2020 has been an unpredictable, stressful year. The Covid-19 pandemic has created havoc for everyone. Activities that we look forward to, and some that are routine, have been cancelled. Exhibits have gone virtual instead of being the physical exhibits that let us see in more detail how artists accomplish their tapestries, paintings, or work in many mediums. People have been asked to shelter in place and social distance. With all that, artists are still artists and doing a lot.

Weave-alongs, stitch-alongs, zoom meetings, and a variety of generous activities are being shared. Artists are donating their time and resources to help everyone. Artists are sewing masks and creating protective gear for those in need. It is wonderful to have such a generous and giving community. Some of us are becoming more adept at using computers, since computers have become our link to other people and activities. Computer visits, classes, or activities are not the same as being together in person, but much better than never seeing friends and family. We have a new normal.

Looking ahead is tricky. We seem to have no definite answers to when the pandemic will end or how to safely get back to normal. We must look ahead anyway. Eventually, the pandemic will be history and the future will arrive. In the meantime, if you have any ideas or suggestions about how TWS can better connect with and serve members, please let us know.

It was disappointing that TWS had to cancel the planned exhibit and retreat in Elkin this year. There are still plans to have a retreat and exhibit when conditions permit. Maybe you have some ideas about activities for the next retreat. We can keep weaving and planning for better days. Please share your ideas for a retreat and exhibit.

Even though ATA activities in Knoxville, TN have been cancelled, we can look forward to another ATA exhibit and retreat along with Convergence in 2022. It would be great for TWS to have a group entry in the next small format unjuried exhibit that ATA has. Exhibit rules require the tapestries to be small. Ten inches by ten inches is the maximum size for any tapestry entered in the exhibit. When we know where the 2022 events will take place, we can start to plan. If you have any ideas for a TWS group entry to the small format unjuried show in 2022, please let your board members know.

We all may be having ups and downs related to the pandemic. Some days creativity may flow and other days creativity is napping waiting for better times. Keep looking ahead for the times we can get together again. It will be wonderful to see exhibits again and meet up in person for tapestry and other events. For now, keep weaving and/or creating; stay well and strong.

Terri Bryson
President. Tapestry Weavers South