who we are

African American Fiber Arts Guild (AAFAG) is an organization of artists dedicated to the expression of art in and about African American life, history, and expression through the use of fiber.  Established initially in the Washington Metropolitan area including Maryland, DC, and Virginia, we acknowledge that the membership may expand beyond this region in the future.

AAFAG is a membership organization, established in 2023  as a cooperative of independent African America fine artist working in fiber of all kinds, where fiber is the primary medium including; cloth, paper, wood, wool, silk, and other plant and animal fibers, Techniques include dyeing, weaving, basketry, quilting, felting, beading, paper making, hand stitching and knitting.

This show is the first time our group has exhibited together as a whole. We present Fibers of Our Culture as a showcase of our work.  

Purpose:  

• To educate ourselves and others in techniques and methodologies, traditional and non-traditional, of fiber arts, and to act as a source for sharing information, skills, resources, and the history of African Americans working in fiber.
• To provide a forum for meetings to exchange ideas, and to engage other guilds and organizations to showcase the work of AAFAG members.
• To give voice to African Americans working in fiber arts and highlight their role in modern American society and culture, and to celebrate the work of AA artists working in fiber
• To further elevate fiber arts from craft to artistry
• To secure space for exhibition of AAFAG members’ art
• To  offer teaching opportunities to the community  and to seek funding for such endeavors through grants and foundation funding as appropriate.