The Pearl in the Oyster

摘要

Convergence is the biennial meeting of the Handweavers Guild of America (HGA). Like our UK Summer School it is held in different locations each time, and in 2008 was held in Tampa Bay, Florida. There are always a huge number of workshops (2 or 3 day), 1-day studio classes, and half-day seminars to choose from. Also there are lectures by featured speakers, the enormous mind-blowing Vendors Hall, and a fabulous fashion show. In addition there are a fantastic number of exhibitions of work created by members of the HGA. These are scattered throughout the area - in art galleries, public buildings and in the Convention Centre itself. Some of the exhibitions are according to technique, such as the basketry exhibition River of Grass; some to fulfil specific criteria, such as Small Expressions which showcases small scale work in any fibre technique; some are juried and some not. There are so many exhibitions that it is almost impossible to get to see them all.