Call for Proposals
The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. seeks a diverse selection of fiber art proposals for Panel Discussions, Sessions (Art Sparks, Seminars and Workshops), and Thread Talks for the biennial Convergence® conference and the annual virtual Spinning & Weaving Week Celebration.
Thread Talks
Take the stage and share your fiber art idea, project, or experience. We are searching for creative makers who will inspire, surprise, and delight the audience with their stories in under 15 minutes. We all have stories to tell about our love of and experience with fiber. This is your chance! Thread Talks will be pre-recorded and presented as part of the 2026 Spinning & Weaving Week Celebration.
Talk: Pre-recorded via Zoom and scheduled to air October 5-11, 2026
Deadline: June 1, 2026
Art Sparks Sessions
Art Sparks are short-form sample classes or mini-workshops focused on a highly specific topic. Designed to introduce participants to a new technique, tool, material, or concept, these sessions may feature original content or a concise unit adapted from a larger course. We seek a diverse range of proposals reflecting both traditional fiber arts practices and fresh, innovative perspectives. Because this is an online event with participants joining from around the world, proposals should be thoughtfully designed for virtual learning and accessible home participation. Art Sparks Sessions are offered in 30-minute or 1-hour segments and are presented in a webinar format, allowing participants to watch, learn, and engage through Q&A.
Sessions: October 5-11, 2026
Deadline: March 21, 2026
Convergence Sessions
Seminars and Workshops
Convergence® features more than 100 educational Sessions designed to inspire fiber artists at every level—from beginner to expert. Sessions range from 90-minute seminars to immersive three-day workshops and explore weaving, spinning, dyeing, basketmaking, felting, sewing, professional development, and more.
The Convergence® Session Review Panel invites proposals from innovative fiber art leaders representing a wide range of perspectives, traditions, and techniques. We seek a dynamic mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced offerings, including both time-honored fiber practices and fresh, forward-thinking experiences that are unique to Convergence®.
Sessions: Tentatively scheduled for Summer 2028
Deadline: March 21, 2027
Panel Discussions
Panels are 60-minute sessions with 1 moderator and 3 panelists, organized around a general topic, or they may include multiple perspectives on a more specific topic. To propose a panel, the moderator of the panel should submit a proposal that provides a brief description of 1) the panel’s overall goals and 2) each participant’s contribution to the panel discussion. Note that panels are expected to be based on (panel) discussion and active exchange of ideas instead of being sessions consisting of a series of paper presentations.
Dates: October 5-11, 2026 presented via Zoom as part of the Spinning & Weaving Week Celebration
Deadline: June 1, 2026