WGR Scholarships
Background
The Guild offers scholarship opportunities for new fiber enthusiasts as well as those who have been involved in the craft for a long time. Financial assistance is available for individuals or groups interested in pursuing knowledge that will enrich the fiber arts community. There are three scholarship funding sources: the Margaret Carr Fund, the Horace Lethbridge Fund and the Heather Olson Fund.
Carr Scholarships: are for Guild members only. Funds can be used for classes offered at WaFAC or outside education.
Lethbridge Scholarships: are available to both WGR members and non-members.
• WGR members and non-members can use Lethbridge Funds for classes offered at WaFAC or outside education.
Olson Scholarships: are available to both WGR members and non-members.
• WGR members can use Olson Funds for classes offered at WaFAC or outside education.
• Non-members receiving Olson Fund awards are limited to WaFAC classes.
A Guild member can receive a maximum of four scholarships.
A non-member is eligible for one award. If a non-member later joins the Guild, the prior award will become included in the maximum number awarded to a member.
How it Works
Scholarship awards are intended to enhance one’s education in textile arts and may be applied to tuition fees for class(es) / workshop(s) and material fees for supplies. Funds are not available for lodging, meals or travel expenses.
- The maximum award per application for a Guild member is $550
- The maximum award for a non-member is $250
Payment of the scholarship is awarded after the recipient has provided:
- Receipts
- Written a one but not more that two page report of their experience,
- Written an article with photos for the Guild’s Newsletter the YARN
- Provide proof of their share. All scholarship recipients are required to share their study experience. There are many ways that this can be done. Past recipients have provided demonstrations, compiled a resource notebook for the Guild’s library, given a lecture or created a display of their work produced using scholarship funding.
For all the details, read our Information for Applicants (Word).
How to Apply
Download, fill out, and return our Scholarship Application Form (Word) or Scholarship Application Form (PDF), following the instructions on the form.
Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed twice a year following each deadline: June 1, and November 1.
- June deadline covers classes/workshops held during the summer and fall
- November deadline covers classes/workshops held during the winter and spring.
Find out more...
Margaret Carr
Margaret Carr was a long-time member of the Guild and the first instructor of many current weavers. She taught at the Rochester Museum and Science Center and is remembered for her energetic support of students. She was a lifelong teacher and lover of textiles. The memorial fund in her name was started in 1992.
Horace Lethbridge
Horace Lethbridge was also an accomplished weaver. His participation in the multi-harness study group exemplifies his interest in weaving technique and love for all fine things in life. His generous bequest in December of 2009 and his commitment to learning will benefit many fiber artists.
Heather Olson
Heather Olson was a very experienced weaver and designer. She shared her expertise as a teacher at the Weaving and Fiber Arts Center for several years. Her family donated the funds in her memory in 2021.
