Panel Disussion

Hear the World Shibori Network Foundation founder and staff as they share their work to preserve Japanese shibori and other heritage textile techniques from around the globe.

Join us to hear the story of Oscar Bériau, Émélie Chamard, and the founding of Québec’s school of textile arts. Anne-Marie Poulin share more about Émélie and her contributions to the development of a particular weaving technique, to the first modern Leclerc loom and to the movement, Cercle de Fermières, an association celebrating its 110 years in 2025. Mary Underwood will discuss Bériau’s influence and the weaving program he directed, in addition to a bit of history of the Leclerc Loom Company.

Part of a long Ghanian tradition, textiles remain important as they represent identity, legacy, and a rich, multigenerational national history. Join us as Ellie Schimelman, President of Cross Cultural Collaborative introduces us to CCC’s history and mission, followed by a tour of CCC’s work in Ghana with Director Michael Bortequaye Bortei.

Come and listen to three WARP members talk about how they have gotten more involved and what they get out of it, how to be giving and selfish at the same time. All have good stories to tell, and are interested in hearing yours during the Q and A as well.

In 1966, local people in the Alberta and Gee’s Bend area of Alabama embarked on a journey to restore and rebuild their local economy through a quilting cooperative.  During the late 1950’s through the early 1960’s, this rural town’s families were in the midst of losing their homes, lands and rights to vote. With the help of Father X. Walter, many volunteers, the women of Gee’s Bend, alongside the strong leadership of Estelle Witherspoon, the Bee’s first president, the Freedom Quilting Bee was established.

We in WARP talk a lot about the importance of passing artisan traditions on from one generation to the next, and at the same time the difficulty of doing so in this new social-media infused world. Our speakers today have all written books for and/or about children that aim to help bridge the gap, each from a very different perspective.

Andean Textile Arts is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the people and communities of the Andes in their efforts to preserve and revitalize their textile traditions. In this presentation, board members will share an overview of ATA’s diverse programs!