Materials Research

FWM originally invited artists to experiment with fabric, and later with a wide range of innovative materials and media. From the outset, FWM also served as an education center for Philadelphia’s youth who, as printing apprentices, learned technical and vocational skills along with approaches to creative expression. Today, FWM is recognized as an internationally acclaimed contemporary art museum, working in collaboration with artists coming from diverse artistic backgrounds including sculpture, installation, video, painting, photography, ceramics, and architecture. Research, construction, and fabrication occur on site in studios (open by appointment) providing visitors with the opportunity to see artwork from conception to completion.

At the heart of the Selvedge story is a cerebral and sensual addiction to cloth and with that an appreciation of the beautifully made and carefully considered. Having been drawn to textiles since childhood, Polly Leonard studied embroidery and weaving and taught textiles for ten years. Frustrated at the lack of infrastructure to support talented artisans and the wider community of enthusiasts, Polly took a leap of faith in April 2004 and created the magazine she wanted to read – Selvedge. Today Selvedge is still exploring and understanding the history, future, politics and aesthetics of textiles with its own distinct voice.

Since its launch Selvedge has become much more than a magazine. As well as a valuable source of inspiration for designers and devotees alike, the Selvedge brand has flourished not only into a spring board for makers and artisans but a strong community of textile lovers, with workshops, fairs and its own store.

As a publication we broaden our own horizons and fall more in love with textiles with every issue. Because we believe that the most interesting and evocative textile stories deserve to be shown in the best possible light, we work to ensure that every page is as carefully considered and beautiful as the textile stories within it.

Through its publications, annual meetings, and other means, NAHP will provide a forum to exchange information and educate its members and the public about the art, craft, history, science, and technology of papermaking, the book arts, and other diverse interests which captured the imagination of Dard Hunter (1883-1966). These forums and educational activities will also promote and encourage the continued and creative practice of hand papermaking, allied paper arts, the book arts, and other arts practiced by Dard Hunter. The study of paper and papermaking, preservation of historical sites and artifacts, conservation, and scientific and technical research shall all be encouraged.

NAHP's activities are intended to serve as a bridge between artists, scientists, and the lay public in all of the above mentioned areas of concern. The collected artifacts, books, archives, and other materials, which were formerly called the Dard Hunter Paper Museum (now called the Dard Hunter Collection), form the core collection of the Robert C. Williams Paper Museum in Atlanta, Ga. Promoting interest in the collection as an important part of the world's cultural heritage is central to our purpose.

The Association's main objective is to facilitate an international exchange of artistic ideas and share information about hand papermaking and paper art. IAPMA aims to provide the opportunity for members to work together, collaborate on artistic projects and exhibitions, share solutions to technical problems, explore different paper-related cultural backgrounds, and encourage new approaches to paper arts. To this end, each year one Bulletins and six newsletters are produced: the newsletters provide information about exhibitions, publications, projects and techniques involving paper; the Bulletins are professionally produced magazines with handmade paper covers and samples which feature individual artists, papermakers and their ideas. All members are invited to share information with other members through the newsletters and Bulletins.

The mission of NAAMM and each of its divisions is:

1. Developing, maintaining, publishing, and distributing technical information on metal products for building construction. This includes specifications, manuals, and other information for building design professionals.

2. Promoting the use of NAAMM technical resources, NAAMM member firms and their products.

3. Providing a forum for the exchange of management and technical information among the members.