In 1960, Betty Holcombe organized the Tamalpais Weavers’ Guild by inviting students in Marianne Rauschnabel’s weaving class at College of Marin to a potluck picnic at the home of Lois Purdom in Nicasio. The first official meeting was held August 16, 1960 at College of Marin. In September, membership was opened to all interested persons. There were 31 founding members and Betty became the first president. In 2011, the name of the Guild was changed to Tamalpais Textile Arts Guild to reflect the diverse textile interests of the members.
The Guild promotes the interest and high standards in weaving and other textile arts. Activities include workshops, guest speakers, field trips, study groups, sales, exhibits, educational demonstrations and an annual creative retreat for the members.
Since 1961, the Guild has participated annually in the Conference of Northern California Handweavers (CNCH) and has won awards for its exhibits featuring the outstanding work of its members. It has also taken part in fairs at the Marin Art and Garden Center, exhibited at the Marin Civic Center, the Bay Model, Marin County Foundation, Tiburon libraries and at the Sausalito, Mill Valley and San Francisco Art Festivals.
The Guild has met in a wide variety of settings over the years including homes, schools, churches, commercial offices and for many years in the Marin Society of Artists Gallery at the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross. Currently , the Guild meets in the study room at The Tamalpais, 501 Via Casitas, Greenbrae. With the exception of July, August and December, meetings are held monthly on the 3rd Monday of the month and begin at 7:00 P.M.
A congenial, social and educational group, the Tamalpais Textile Arts Guild welcomes new members. Interested individuals are cordially invited to attend the meetings.