KAWS Conferences – New Schedule

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Following much thought and discussion, and with input from the members, the KAWS board has voted to hold conferences every other year. They will be scheduled on even-numbered years, with dates selected by the hosting guild. This schedule will alternate years with the Midwest Weavers Association conference.

KAWS conferences will continue to rotate between affiliated Kansas guilds, with the conference location and content determined by the host group.

The next KAWS is tentatively scheduled for October 9 – 11, 2026 in Manhattan by the Manhattan Area Fiber Arts Guild; final dates and other details will be published as they become available.

blocks printed with 2026

Eastern Kansas Scholastic Art Awards 2025

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KAWS sponsors awards for two high school artists working in textiles, and this year’s winners are Makayla Wolfley and Addison Higbie. Both are students at Kiowa County High School in Greensburg, KS, and are taught by Lori Wade.

Addison Higbie’s red and white Target Dress ensemble with purse and shoes was awarded a Gold Key in the Fashion category.

Makayla Wolfley’s Lost and Found dress and jewelry was awarded a Silver Key, also in the Fashion category.

KAWS judges Mary Sue Foster and Nancy Squire (both retired art educators and members of the Wichita Weavers, Spinners and Dyers Guild) selected these two entrants as recipients of the KAWS awards. Each will receive a check for $100 from KAWS, in addition to their Key awards.

All of the Eastern Kansas Scholastic Art Awards entries are on exhibit at Mark Arts, 1307 N. Rock Road, Wichita, KS from February 7 through March 29. The open house and closing ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 29 from 10 am – noon, during which the awards presentations will be made in person.