Sun, Sage and Sky, the 2003 Association of Northwest Weavers' Guilds conference, was held in the Pendleton Convention Center, Pendleton, Oregon. A roster of well-known and highly regarded weavers, beaders, and basketmakers conducted the pre-conference workshops from Tuesday through Thursday, June 24-26. A full compliment of two-hour seminars, three lovely exhibits; Guideposts, the faculty show, the open exhibits Old Trails, New Directions and the handspun items Roving No More, entranced visitors and participants alike.

Participants uniformly agreed that the venue of the Center and the town were ideally suited for a less formal and intensely educational experience. Many remarked on the cordiality and inspiration sometimes not possible with larger events. The staff of the Center answered our every need, making sure that tables, chairs, projectors and other necessities were at hand. The food service crew received high praise for the excellent food.

The Friday morning Cyber Fyber friends gathering, a "Meet the Instructors" session Friday evening before the keynote address, the Saturday morning ANWG Annual General Meeting, a presentation by Robyn Spady and Rebecca Winter on attaining their recent first level Certificate of Excellence in Handweaving, the Spin-in that afternoon, and a Complex Weavers' meeting on Sunday rounded out the non-conference activities. The varied assortment of vendors in the marketplace right next to the dining area meant easy access and hours of indulgence on the part of attendees and the public in general. The presentation of door prizes, awards for the Guild Booths, open shows and the raffle drawing for the blanket woven by the Pendleton Mill exclusively for the conference livened the Sunday Brunch. The lucky raffle winner was Marlene Bean, of Homedale, Idaho. Whidbey Weavers' Guild took home first place in the Guild Booths, Salem Handweavers 2nd Place and Spokane Honorable Mention.

The exclusive tours of the Pendleton Mill, guided by mill employees, were eagerly attended and highly praised (see the "Mill Tour"). The folks at the Mill helped make the conference a once-in-a-lifetime event, as the staff led group after group through the entire process of carding, spinning, warping and weaving of the famous Pendleton blankets. In addition to a tour, each registrant was given a bag of selvage trimmings, and the chance to win one of two $50 gift certificates.

Daryl Lancaster and Lillian Pitt, the keynote and closing speakers, shared the historical, cultural and childhood experiences which have influenced them and led them to the current state of their artistry. Daryl also modeled two of her garments in the Saturday evening Informal Fashion Show as Jean Nelson graciously filled the role of MC.

Outside of the conference center, cultural and educational opportunities abounded. On the nearby Umatilla reservation, the Tamastslikt Cultural Center's permanent exhibit provided a history of the native people and influence of the Columbia river and nearby environs. The gift store featured work by noted masters of beadwork, basketry, cradleboards and drums.

One of the most pleasant surprises to those attending was the town of Pendleton itself. Many who had driven past Pendleton in the past expressed pleasure with the discovery of a vibrant and interesting downtown (and "undertown"... the Underground Tour proved to be a popular attraction). They confirmed that Pendleton deserves its reputation for an abundance of antique stores, including a vintage fabric store. A wonderful bead and belly dancing supply store, and several coffee shops and delis helped make a downtown excursion completely satisfying.

Many attendees graciously aided at the registration desk, with organizing and monitoring the exhibits, and checking meal passes, to mention a just a few tasks.

The success of the conference hinged largely on those who came with the intention of having fun, and who put their minds and spirits behind working together to provide a pleasurable, educational and recreational event.