COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA
This committee drives program communications with FGP Members. They compile and distribute information important to FGP Members in a timely fashion using monthly email updates and other email messages. It sends out monthly Eblasts to help members stay informed about our programs and provides information to the media about Guild events and exhibitions. If you have content that you would like to appear in the monthly Eblast, please send it to Petra Fallaux (pr@fiberartspgh.org) by the 23rd of the month. Content received after that date will be published in the following month’s Eblast.
The committee also oversees the FGP website (www.fiberartspgh.org), the Fiberarts International website (www.fiberartinternational.org) Facebook page and Instagram, the FGP Yahoo group, the FGP Facebook page and Facebook group, and the FGP’s various email accounts. If you are interested in exhibiting your work, a list of Call for Entries is published every two months, a great resource.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Outreach Committee brings the talents and resources of our FGP to the wider community of Pittsburgh. The committee engages, educates, and fosters an appreciation of and love for fiber arts and techniques. The committee works to further the FGP’s cultural presence in Pittsburgh through collaboration with other guilds, organizations, and schools. We welcome all Members to help plan and carry out outreach efforts.
EXHIBITIONS
Coleen Rush, Co-chair – Jeanette McCabe, Co-chair
The FGP provides its Members with exhibition opportunities; arguably one of the most valuable services provided by the FGP to its Members. The Exhibition committee governs all aspects of member exhibits to make sure that the experience is valuable for exhibitors and audiences alike.
FINANCE
The Finance Committee meets several times a year to review FGP finances, and to develop an annual operating budget for the coming year.
HOSPITALITY
The Hospitality Committee, in cooperation with the Program and Exhibition Committees, is responsible for providing refreshments and paper goods for the annual potluck, the annual membership exhibition, and occasional events.
MEMBERSHIP, RESOURCE GUIDE AND DIRECTORY
Norma Lipscomb, Contact
The Membership Committee maintains FGP membership records, mails information to new and prospective Members, tracks dues payments from Members (and sends payment reminders when necessary), and takes attendance records at FGP meetings.
A new Resource Guide and Directory is published each year, and contains complete, updated information about the FGP and its Members. A PDF version of the directory is available for download in the Members-only section of the FGP website (https:// fiberartspgh.org/member-directory/).
NOMINATING
The Nominating Committee nominates members for all open positions of the Board, annually, and presents nominees to fill any vacancies that occur on the Board of Directors. The Committee also nominates members for positions on the next Nominating Committee. The Committee reports its nominations to the membership at the FGP Annual meeting.
MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT
Co-Chairs: Christine Manges, Sherri Roberts
This committee pairs Guild Buddies up with new members to help them connect with the guild on a personal level. The committee also works to engage established members in the activities of the guild by facilitating special interest group connections online.
NOMINATING
This committee nominates candidates for all open Board positions annually and present nominees to fill vacancies on the Board and candidates for the succeeding Nominating Committee.
PROGRAMS
The Programs Committee identifies programming for the upcoming fiscal year, and develops the comprehensive Program Calendar (which is at the core of this directory). The committee identifies programs, lectures, and workshops of interest to FGP Members, and procures presenters and meeting space to support the important work of the FGP.
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIG)
The FGP has established a number of Special Interest Groups that are designed to provide Members with a forum in which pursue a particular interest within the wide range of fiber art. Groups are informally structured and self-governed each deciding how, where, and when to meet, and how to focus their activities. If you are interested in starting a new SIG, contact Carol Henley (cehenagain@yahoo.com), who will be happy to help you organize an initial meeting.
Felting
Felt = wet and needle felting (aka dry felting) We celebrate all things FELT! Our group is comprised of, and encourages, both experienced and beginning felters, as well as those who want to learn how. There is room and support for all!
Knit & Crochet
The Knit and Crochet Special Interest Group is a very relaxed group of knitters and crocheters from all walks of life. The group meets the first Sunday of the month at the Squirrel Hill Library from 1pm – 3pm. Knitters and crocheters meet to discuss their work, and to provide help and encouragement to other members of the group. All levels of knitters and crocheters are welcome.
Installations
This group explores issues related to site-specific installation art. We visit exhibitions, talk about our own current and potential projects. Collaboration and experimentation are encouraged.
Art Tourists
Art Tourists is a group in the Pittsburgh area who travel together to see the work of Fiberarts Guild members and fiber-related art shows. Limited to 2 hr radius.