Building Community through Creativity
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Celebrating 50 Years
Long before “creative economy” and “cultural tourism,” Governor William Waller theorized that organizing and fostering Mississippi’s craft artisans would benefit the state’s economy, image, and tourism.
In 1973, Governor Waller put into motion what would become the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, and ever since, the Guild has been proving him right.
Member Spotlight: Roger Sturdivant
Roger Sturdivant joined the Guild in 2014 as a fused glass artist. Though he never had any formal classes in his craft, Roger has become a skilled artist. He enjoys the artistic process, calling it a ‘labor of love.’ His pieces are both colorful and functional.
Member Spotlight: Tutwiler Quilters
Among the membership of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi is the Tutwiler Quilters from northern Mississippi—joining the guild in 1996, and earning Fellow status in 2005. Organized in 1988 by Sr. Maureen Delaney and Sr. JoAnn Blomme, the group was created to help Tutwiler, Mississippi’s local women earn an income and support their families.
Member Spotlight: Marilyn DiehlBlog Post Title Three
Marilyn Diehl’s nephew, Roger Jamison, began weaving when he was 13. By the time he was 18 in 1994, he was accepted into the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, Inc. Also a teacher, Marilyn began watching Roger and learning to make baskets. Helping Roger for a year or two, Marilyn had no idea that in 2002 she would buy his business and move his 500-square-foot shop to the Diehl family home nestled on Highway 532 near Hot Coffee, MS.