History of HAFA
Houston Area Fiber Artists (HAFA) had its origins in classes offered by Mary E. Heickman in 1967. The group of fiber enthusiasts formally became the “Creative Stitchers “ in 1968 and held a judged show of their work that same year.
The first juried Gallery Show was held in 1969. Internationally known fiber artists Constance Howard and Martha Mood conducted workshops for the group in the 1970’s.
In the early years members of the group were primarily “stitchers”, or embroiderers, whose main focus was to design and execute their own pieces. Originality and innovation were emphasized. Most of the work was framed or suspended as wall hangings.
Members’ interests broadened to include “wearable art’ garments, leading to the first major art to wear show in 1984. Through the ensuing years, membership increased in both number and areas of expertise in fiber media.
HAFA became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organization in 2003.
HAFA Highlights of the Early Years as Archived in Scrapbooks
1967 - First classes with Mary Heickman.
1968 - First judged competition at Memorial City Mall
1969 - Organized as Creative Stitchers of Texas. The first president was Ann MItchell. First juried gallery show was at Houston Electric Tower Display Gallery, juried by Henri Gadbois. Gallery shows were held there annually for eight more years.
Early workshop teachers includeed Constance Howard (from England), Nedi Al-Hitali, Romi Batra, Martha Mood, Jean Rau Laury, Esther Dendel, Marion Ireland, Wilke Smith, Nik Krevitsky, David Van Dommelen, Romeo, Janet Kumerlein, and Becky Patterson. They taught us many new fiber techniques.
Our members came from far and wide (Brenham, Richmond, Conroe, and Galveston) and within a few years we even attracted a few men.
1972 /1973 - Mary Heickman taught workshops in Dallas (1972) and in San Antonio (1973) ...they organized and we became a federation.
1974 - First Biennial State Conference and Exhibition was held at the Astrodome Hotel with Houston the host chapter, followed by conferences in 1976 - San Anntonio and 1978 - Dallas.
"Stitchers Day Out" - Johanna House (Marylou Malotte's donation) on Thursdays.
1975 - Our first style show at a meeting (Great Southern Life). Flow Barry "streaked" in a flesh colored crocheted bathing suit.
First group trip to Guatamala. In later years we went to New Mexico, Dallas, New York, and Forth Worth.
We decorated a tree for the Houston Museum of Natural Science (yearly for six years).
A teaching workshop to teach volunteers how to teach fiber art and stitchery (for hospitals, nursing homes, disadvantaged community centers, Girl Scouts, etc.)
1976 - Name change: Fiber Designers
1977 - Exhibition in new Saks Mall
Ice cream social and style show in Margaret Van Wambeck's back yard.
1978 - Gallery show at DuBose Ballery and the following two years. Later gallery shows were at Archway Gallery, Art League, NCNB Center, Allen Center, Glasell, Texas Medical Research Center, and Artables Gallery.
1979 - Began regular night meetings
1980 - Name change: Fiber Artists
1984 - First big wearable art show and luncheon, "Celebration of Creativity" at Sakowitz. The following year and for many years thereafter these were held at the Junior League
1987 - Federation workshope in Salado. These were held in the alternate years between conferences for another ten years.
