Fiber artists in Montana may join the Montana Association of Weavers and Spinners. Affiliation with a guild is not necessary for membership. MAWS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose objectives are to "foster communication between individuals and groups engaged in handcrafted fiber arts, including but not limited to weaving, spinning, basket making, felting, knitting, crocheting, rug hooking, and associated fiber arts.”

Membership is open to anyone with an interest in preserving, promoting, and learning about fiber arts. This includes, but is not limited to, hand spinning, hand weaving, felting, basketry, beadwork, sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet work, tatting, or any other method of creating and embellishing textiles.

MAWS sponsors a state-wide biennial conference (held in one of six Montana locations on a rotating basis) which includes lectures, workshops, seminars, juried shows, fashion shows, and other activities which may be of interest to fiber enthusiasts, as well as the general business meeting of the organization. On August 23-27 the MAWS 2006 conference, "A Thread Runs Through US!" will be hosted by the Bozeman Weavers Guild.  It will be held in Bozeman at the GranTree Inn. Featured artists include Mary Zicafoose, tapestry weaver, Patsy Zawistoski, master spinner, Cass Schorsch, basket weaver, and JoAnne Ryeburn, weaver.  In addition, many talented regional instructors will teach a wide range of textile related workshops and seminars ranging from challenging, advanced study to classes designed just for beginners.  For more information contact email

Member Benefits
In addition to eligibility for voting, holding office, and participation in the conferences, each member receives a quarterly newsletter. The MAWS newsletter provides free classified ads to members as well as posting of guild and individuals and guilds fiber events. MAWS also provides grants to member guilds for learning opportunities held in non-conference years.

Joining
Membership in MAWS is open to anyone. A membership year runs from January 1 to December 31. To join send $8 to:
 2120 3rd Street South
Great Falls, MT 59405

Living Treasure Award
MAWS awards life time achievement awards to fiber artists who have made an outstanding lifelong contribution to the fiber arts and meet the standards of excellent craftsmanship and inspiring and teaching others. 
1992   Katherine Bradbury, Margaret Burlew, Margaret Post, Phillys Murdock
1994   Margaret Whitney
1996   Joanne Hall, Marian Ornelles
1998   Em Kolstad, Berta Morrison, Jay Sire
2000   Vernice Myers, Lois Howell
2002   Coby Johnson, Karla Long
2004   Betty Alexander, Millie Dover