To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Guild, the Deep River Library Arts Committee (LAC) is presenting an exhibit of the Guild members weaving in the library program room. The exhibit opens with a reception Monday November 23rd, 7 – 9pm, and can be viewed during library hours until Monday December 7th.
The reception is a good time to come. Members will be there to chat about their work and demonstrate the art form. You will also have an opportunity to try it for yourself!
Before the idea of a guild was conceived, Mary Manson, who had some knowledge of weaving, assembled a few friends to spark an interest in the craft. Mary passed away but the seed was planted. Jean Docton was invited from Ottawa to give a beginners course which was held at Hill House. She encouraged the women involved to form their own Guild. Word went out and a meeting of the minds brought about what was to be known as the DEEP RIVER WEAVERS GUILD (DRWG). This was back in 1965.
Some early members included Pete Barlow, Betty Collins, Joan Brown, Fran Edwards, Ruth Jarvis, Margaret Watson and Eleanor Cross. Ruth and Joan are the only members of the original group still with the Guild.
Over the years the DRWG has invited many experts to give workshops in town. Conferences and out of town learning opportunities draw the members to all parts of Canada and the USA. This allows them to study with some of the best weavers in North America. If one of the Guild members has a particular skill, they share it with a workshop or at a regular meeting.
Although they are still called the Deep River Weavers Guild, members come from Pembroke, Petawawa, as well as Deep River and surrounding areas. There is a wide range of knowledge from beginners to those who have been weaving for over 50 years, including a master weaver. Some of the weavers are also spinners. As they are a small group they meet in each other’s homes the last Thursday of the month between September and May.
New members are always welcome. The Guild owns a few 4 and 8 shaft looms available to any of the members for home use or workshops. Most members own their own looms but new members are encouraged to borrow a Guild loom until they can purchase their own. Further information can be obtained from Joan Brown 613 584 4387 or Marg Killey at 613 584 2533.
Deep River Library Arts Committee 