Some of the Volunteers, photo credit Val WestonThe Southwest Women’s Fiber Arts Collective (SWFAC) recently held their annual
volunteer and donor appreciation brunch at the Corner Kitchen on July 18th, 2023.
SWFAC is an all-volunteer non-profit providing a means to earn income and share fiber
art skills.

Volunteers were honored with a wonderful brunch at the Corner Kitchen, followed by a
presentation of appreciation certificates designed by board member Annette Rubino-
Buckley and a gift made by Mary Ragins, board vice-president. Volunteers who
modeled for the Tapestry of Talent also received a photo by Val Weston taken at the
show.

“Without volunteers, we cannot accomplish our mission,” states Brenda Holzinger,
board treasurer. “The board is constantly amazed and inspired by the talent and time
volunteers donate to SWFAC. Our donors and sponsors are very appreciated and allow
us to offer free outreach activities and support our sales events. We were so pleased
that Laura Phelps of Freeport McMoRan could join us!”

Livia Reed, model for the Tapestry of Talent receives her certificate of appreciation, photo and gift. Photo credit, Marcia TinkerDuring the past year, fifty-three members and community volunteers provided 100s of
hours to demonstrate fiber art, teach classes, organize the annual holiday sale, produce
the Tapestry of Talent fashion show and fund-raise. Two outreach activities are planned
for August.

Members of SWFAC make many types of fiber art encompassing the manual
manipulation of a variety of fibers by weaving, knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting,
basket making, and paper making to name a few of the techniques.

SWFAC was founded in 2005 and is a local, all volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3)
organization with the economic development goal to stimulate and support successful
cottage industry in the southwest. Both novice and skilled SWFAC artists enrich the
community by nurturing and empowering one another fostering opportunities to gain
new experience, expand talent and earn income from their art. Please visit SWFAC’s
website at www.fiberartscollective.org to learn more about the organization.Board members from left, Colette Kelly, Mary Ragins, Annette RubinoBuckley, Jean Hill, Brenda Holzinger, Marcia Tinker, Laura Phelps – Freeport McMoRan, and Charmeine Wait -Photo credit: Val Weston