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More than 5,000 fiber enthusiasts are expected to converge on the Tampa Bay area for the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. (HGA) international biennial conference, Convergence 2008, June 22-28 at the Tampa Bay Convention Center, Tampa.
The Florida Tropical Weavers Guild (FTWG) will host the conference and highlight Florida’s rich fiber traditions and cultural opportunities. Convergence is for anyone who works or is interested in sewing, dyeing, beading, knitting, weaving, spinning and the fiber arts.
Many local galleries and art institutions are sponsoring special exhibitions or programs in conjunction with the conference. Convergence 2008 will host three featured speakers, 30 workshops, 40 studio classes, more than 100 seminars and more than 25 exhibits throughout the Tampa Bay community. In addition, several special events are offered including a professionally produced fashion runway show, and hundreds of booths filled with fibers, beads, books and fiber-related equipment from around the world in the vendor hall.
Design, digital design, Jacquard design and weaving, designing for industry, interiors, and wearables, color theory, surface design, knitting, crocheting, dyeing processes and techniques, printing on fabric, beading, spinning, fiber preparation, felting, basketry, ethnic, historical and contemporary textiles, fibers and processes are some of the topics of interest to those attending Convergence.
HGA’s conference, which has been held biennially since 1972, aims to increase public awareness and foster a synergy among the existing arts organizations within the community to increase public awareness about the fiber arts.
Florida Tropical Weavers Guild has a long tradition in the weaving and fiber arts community as well. Founded in 1943, this state guild has provided an educational conference for its members annually, drawing instructors from all over the U.S. and the world.
Advance registration is available at www.weavespindye.org or by calling the HGA office at 678-730-0010.
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