HANDWEAVERS GUILD OF AMERICA'S CONVERGENCE® FIBER ART CONFERENCE STITCHES TOGETHER GLOBAL ARTISTRY AND NEW ORLEANS CULTURE AUG 12-16

First ever New Orleans conference showcases Louisiana fiber traditions, local artists, and community partnerships alongside international talent.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August, 10, 2026

WHAT
The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. (HGA) Convergence® Fiber Art Conference takes place August 12-16, 2026, at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.

Convergence® is HGA’s premier biennial fiber arts conference, bringing together artists and educators for more than 125 hands-on workshops, nationally recognized instructors, juried exhibitions, a wearable art fashion show, keynote presentations, Thread Talks, and a vibrant marketplace showcasing fiber artists, tools, and materials.

The 2026 conference marks Convergence's first visit to New Orleans and its first return to the Southern United States in 18 years. Organizers selected New Orleans for its rich traditions in weaving, quilting, dyeing, costume arts, and cultural craftsmanship, creating a natural connection between the city's creative heritage and the conference's mission of preserving and advancing fiber arts.

The conference will spotlight New Orleans and Louisiana talent throughout its programming, featuring local artists, instructors, exhibitors, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders. Programming includes presentations on Cajun textile traditions, Acadian Brown Cotton, Native American natural dyes, Black Masking Indian beadwork, and Creole craftsmanship. The signature Krewe of Threads: Let the Good Times Roll Fashion Show will be produced by New Orleans Fashion Week Founder and Creative Director Tracee Dundas and will feature local models alongside one-of-a-kind wearable fiber art from artists around the world.

Convergence also creates lasting connections within the local community. Organizers have partnered with Longue Vue House & Gardens, Raphael Village, OPTIONS Weaving Studio, local galleries, libraries, independent senior living communities, and arts organizations to expand public access through 2,500 complimentary day passes and collaborative programming. A special Artist Row marketplace will showcase New Orleans makers, while curated tours encourage attendees to experience museums, galleries, historic sites, and cultural attractions throughout the region. On Friday, August 14, the Marketplace will host Twilight Madness, opening free to the public and allowing local residents to shop more than 40 fiber art vendors, meet artists, and experience demonstrations from around the world.

Beyond the conference itself, attendees will support New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity through a service project donating handmade woven and fiber art household items for new homeowners.

WHO
More than 500 fiber artists, educators, creative entrepreneurs, exhibitors, and industry professionals from across the United States and around the world.

WHERE
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel (500 Canal St.)

WHEN
August 12-16, 2026

MEDIA
Media are welcome to attend the conference and can obtain credentials by contacting Traycee Bosle.

Interview opportunities are available with HGA Executive Director Elizabeth Williamson, and keynote speaker Karen Hampton, a 2022 American Craft Council Fellow recognized for expanding the visibility of textiles created by Black and Brown artists worldwide.

Recommended visual opportunities include:

  • Krewe of Threads: Let the Good Times Roll Fashion Show & Dessert Reception, produced by New Orleans Fashion Week Founder and Creative Director Tracee Dundas, Wednesday, August 12, 8:00 p.m.
  • Hands-on workshops featuring weaving, spinning, dyeing, felting, basket weaving, and textile creation throughout the conference.
  • Juried fiber art exhibitions showcasing gallery-quality works from artists around the world.
  • Thread Talks, Thursday, August 13, featuring Louisiana fiber artists and cultural tradition bearers.
  • Twilight Madness Marketplace, Friday, August 14, at 7:00 p.m., when the marketplace opens free to the public with more than 40 vendors, live demonstrations, and artisan-made goods.

HGA:
Traycee Bosle, Traycee@Handweavers.org, 412.932.8220

New Orleans & Company:
Kelly Schulz, kschulz@neworleans.com, 504.421.0962
Rhonda Cook, rcook@neworleans.com, 504.616.6161

SOCIAL:
Event Website: Handweavers Guild of America’s Convergence®
YouTube: @HandweaversOrg
Instagram: @HandweaversOrg
Facebook: Handweavers Guild of America
Hashtags: #Convergence2026 #HandweaversGuildofAmerica #HandweaversOrg #HGA