Charles Samuel Benson, age 83, of Bloomington, passed away March 16, 2017.

Preceded in death by his wife Janet, his parents, Hazel and Clarence Benson, and his sister Jean Rice. Survived by his daughters and their husbands, Andrea Benson and Scott McLaughlin, and Kara and Justin Barrow; grandchildren, Sophia, Isabel, Brendan and Julian; siblings Daniel Benson (Mona), Rodney Benson (Kay), Pauline Bratt, and Philip Benson (Kris); brother in law Gene Rice (Jan); and many other family members and friends.

Charles was born in Cokato, MN. He and Janet made their home in Edina for 45 years, and raised their daughters there. Charles taught art in the Edina Public Schools, retiring in 1993. Earlier in his career he taught in Minnetonka and Frankfurt, Germany. In retirement, he was an active weaver, gardener and volunteer.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Lila Nelson was an adventurous Minnesota farm girl who left the land to attend college, join the U.S. Air Force, and then forge a national reputation as a scholar and artist of traditional Norwegian textiles. She and her late husband Marion Nelson are credited with transforming Vesterheim into the premier ethnic museum that it is today. In the mid-1960s, they were hired to catalog the collection of art, pottery, furniture, and other artifacts at the museum, then affiliated with Luther College. When Vesterheim became an independent nonprofit in 1965, Lila became the museum’s Textile Curator and Marion Nelson the museum’s Executive Director. Lila, who passed away on May 26, 2015, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at age 93, was an exceptional woman who was active in the Weavers Guild of Minnesota for decades, taught classes and led tours to Norway, and created an impressive body of weaving.

Lila Nelson was also featured in the 2012 Fiber Art Almanac, an art calendar featuring Midwest fiber and textile artists.

Karen Searle‘s sculptures in fiber and mixed media using various needlework techniques have been exhibited in the US and abroad. She has lectured internationally, curated exhibitions, and judged textile design competitions. Karen began her teaching career at WGM in the 1970s and has taught at St. Catherine University, Canberra School of Art, and at numerous textile conferences. As a journalist, she covers the contemporary crafts field in magazine articles and books. Karen is co-coordinator of the Women’s Art Resources of Minnesota (WARM) Mentor Program, and has mentored emerging artists since 1991.

Lila Nelson was an adventurous Minnesota farm girl who left the land to attend college, join the U.S. Air Force, and then forge a national reputation as a scholar and artist of traditional Norwegian textiles. She and her late husband Marion Nelson are credited with transforming Vesterheim into the premier ethnic museum that it is today. In the mid-1960s, they were hired to catalog the collection of art, pottery, furniture, and other artifacts at the museum, then affiliated with Luther College. When Vesterheim became an independent nonprofit in 1965, Lila became the museum’s Textile Curator and Marion Nelson the museum’s Executive Director. Lila, who passed away on May 26, 2015, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at age 93, was an exceptional woman who was active in the Weavers Guild of Minnesota for decades, taught classes and led tours to Norway, and created an impressive body of weaving.

Lila Nelson was also featured in the 2012 Fiber Art Almanac, an art calendar featuring Midwest fiber and textile artists.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Charles Samuel Benson, age 83, of Bloomington, passed away March 16, 2017.

Preceded in death by his wife Janet, his parents, Hazel and Clarence Benson, and his sister Jean Rice. Survived by his daughters and their husbands, Andrea Benson and Scott McLaughlin, and Kara and Justin Barrow; grandchildren, Sophia, Isabel, Brendan and Julian; siblings Daniel Benson (Mona), Rodney Benson (Kay), Pauline Bratt, and Philip Benson (Kris); brother in law Gene Rice (Jan); and many other family members and friends.

Charles was born in Cokato, MN. He and Janet made their home in Edina for 45 years, and raised their daughters there. Charles taught art in the Edina Public Schools, retiring in 1993. Earlier in his career he taught in Minnetonka and Frankfurt, Germany. In retirement, he was an active weaver, gardener and volunteer.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Lila Nelson was an adventurous Minnesota farm girl who left the land to attend college, join the U.S. Air Force, and then forge a national reputation as a scholar and artist of traditional Norwegian textiles. She and her late husband Marion Nelson are credited with transforming Vesterheim into the premier ethnic museum that it is today. In the mid-1960s, they were hired to catalog the collection of art, pottery, furniture, and other artifacts at the museum, then affiliated with Luther College. When Vesterheim became an independent nonprofit in 1965, Lila became the museum’s Textile Curator and Marion Nelson the museum’s Executive Director. Lila, who passed away on May 26, 2015, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at age 93, was an exceptional woman who was active in the Weavers Guild of Minnesota for decades, taught classes and led tours to Norway, and created an impressive body of weaving.

Lila Nelson was also featured in the 2012 Fiber Art Almanac, an art calendar featuring Midwest fiber and textile artists.

Charles Samuel Benson, age 83, of Bloomington, passed away March 16, 2017.

Preceded in death by his wife Janet, his parents, Hazel and Clarence Benson, and his sister Jean Rice. Survived by his daughters and their husbands, Andrea Benson and Scott McLaughlin, and Kara and Justin Barrow; grandchildren, Sophia, Isabel, Brendan and Julian; siblings Daniel Benson (Mona), Rodney Benson (Kay), Pauline Bratt, and Philip Benson (Kris); brother in law Gene Rice (Jan); and many other family members and friends.

Charles was born in Cokato, MN. He and Janet made their home in Edina for 45 years, and raised their daughters there. Charles taught art in the Edina Public Schools, retiring in 1993. Earlier in his career he taught in Minnetonka and Frankfurt, Germany. In retirement, he was an active weaver, gardener and volunteer.

Charles Samuel Benson, age 83, of Bloomington, passed away March 16, 2017.

Preceded in death by his wife Janet, his parents, Hazel and Clarence Benson, and his sister Jean Rice. Survived by his daughters and their husbands, Andrea Benson and Scott McLaughlin, and Kara and Justin Barrow; grandchildren, Sophia, Isabel, Brendan and Julian; siblings Daniel Benson (Mona), Rodney Benson (Kay), Pauline Bratt, and Philip Benson (Kris); brother in law Gene Rice (Jan); and many other family members and friends.

Charles was born in Cokato, MN. He and Janet made their home in Edina for 45 years, and raised their daughters there. Charles taught art in the Edina Public Schools, retiring in 1993. Earlier in his career he taught in Minnetonka and Frankfurt, Germany. In retirement, he was an active weaver, gardener and volunteer.

Lila Nelson was an adventurous Minnesota farm girl who left the land to attend college, join the U.S. Air Force, and then forge a national reputation as a scholar and artist of traditional Norwegian textiles. She and her late husband Marion Nelson are credited with transforming Vesterheim into the premier ethnic museum that it is today. In the mid-1960s, they were hired to catalog the collection of art, pottery, furniture, and other artifacts at the museum, then affiliated with Luther College. When Vesterheim became an independent nonprofit in 1965, Lila became the museum’s Textile Curator and Marion Nelson the museum’s Executive Director. Lila, who passed away on May 26, 2015, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at age 93, was an exceptional woman who was active in the Weavers Guild of Minnesota for decades, taught classes and led tours to Norway, and created an impressive body of weaving.

Lila Nelson was also featured in the 2012 Fiber Art Almanac, an art calendar featuring Midwest fiber and textile artists.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Ann Masemore’s primary focus is color in combination with recycled fabrics like t-shirts and cotton and wool clothing. She enjoys the play of color with pattern, and especially creating items from recycled fibers. Currently, the primary material Ann works with is recycled plastic, weaving it into handbags and totes. She has won several awards from the Midwest Weavers Conference for weavings produced from recycled and other found materials. Named the ‘color queen’ by one of her instructors, Ann’s work is notable for its bright color palette.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Lila Nelson was an adventurous Minnesota farm girl who left the land to attend college, join the U.S. Air Force, and then forge a national reputation as a scholar and artist of traditional Norwegian textiles. She and her late husband Marion Nelson are credited with transforming Vesterheim into the premier ethnic museum that it is today. In the mid-1960s, they were hired to catalog the collection of art, pottery, furniture, and other artifacts at the museum, then affiliated with Luther College. When Vesterheim became an independent nonprofit in 1965, Lila became the museum’s Textile Curator and Marion Nelson the museum’s Executive Director. Lila, who passed away on May 26, 2015, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at age 93, was an exceptional woman who was active in the Weavers Guild of Minnesota for decades, taught classes and led tours to Norway, and created an impressive body of weaving.

Lila Nelson was also featured in the 2012 Fiber Art Almanac, an art calendar featuring Midwest fiber and textile artists.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Melba Granlund is a Swedish folk artist who enjoys weaving, felting, nålbinding, wire jewelry making, spinning, knitting, sewing and embroidery. As a life-long learner, she has received instruction from masters of these handcrafts in the U.S. as well as in Sweden, Norway and Finland. Melba strives to keep Scandinavian folk art traditions alive by teaching and sharing what she has learned with others. Melba currently serves on the WGM Board of Directors and is a member of the Scandinavian weavers study group. She also teaches fiber art classes for the Textile Center.

Lila Nelson was an adventurous Minnesota farm girl who left the land to attend college, join the U.S. Air Force, and then forge a national reputation as a scholar and artist of traditional Norwegian textiles. She and her late husband Marion Nelson are credited with transforming Vesterheim into the premier ethnic museum that it is today. In the mid-1960s, they were hired to catalog the collection of art, pottery, furniture, and other artifacts at the museum, then affiliated with Luther College. When Vesterheim became an independent nonprofit in 1965, Lila became the museum’s Textile Curator and Marion Nelson the museum’s Executive Director. Lila, who passed away on May 26, 2015, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at age 93, was an exceptional woman who was active in the Weavers Guild of Minnesota for decades, taught classes and led tours to Norway, and created an impressive body of weaving.

Lila Nelson was also featured in the 2012 Fiber Art Almanac, an art calendar featuring Midwest fiber and textile artists.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Charles Samuel Benson, age 83, of Bloomington, passed away March 16, 2017.

Preceded in death by his wife Janet, his parents, Hazel and Clarence Benson, and his sister Jean Rice. Survived by his daughters and their husbands, Andrea Benson and Scott McLaughlin, and Kara and Justin Barrow; grandchildren, Sophia, Isabel, Brendan and Julian; siblings Daniel Benson (Mona), Rodney Benson (Kay), Pauline Bratt, and Philip Benson (Kris); brother in law Gene Rice (Jan); and many other family members and friends.

Charles was born in Cokato, MN. He and Janet made their home in Edina for 45 years, and raised their daughters there. Charles taught art in the Edina Public Schools, retiring in 1993. Earlier in his career he taught in Minnetonka and Frankfurt, Germany. In retirement, he was an active weaver, gardener and volunteer.

Melba Granlund is a Swedish folk artist who enjoys weaving, felting, nålbinding, wire jewelry making, spinning, knitting, sewing and embroidery. As a life-long learner, she has received instruction from masters of these handcrafts in the U.S. as well as in Sweden, Norway and Finland. Melba strives to keep Scandinavian folk art traditions alive by teaching and sharing what she has learned with others. Melba currently serves on the WGM Board of Directors and is a member of the Scandinavian weavers study group. She also teaches fiber art classes for the Textile Center.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Chiaki O’Brien is a SAORI Leader Committee Certificate recipient. She worked as an instructor for the SAORI head office in Japan before moving to Minnesota in 2004. Chiaki is also a VSA and COMPAS Teaching Artist, and is an artist-in-residence at schools, as well as teaching at Shepherd’s Harvest (MN) and other fiber related festivals in the Midwest. In 2012, she was awarded a Jerome Fiber Artist Project Grant, allowing her to study “Bengala Dyeing” in Japan, and she now teaches this natural soil dye process as well. SAORI weaving taught her the way to create by following her heart. Her teaching goal: to convey the “Joy of Exploration” to students in her classes. Chiaki operates Studio FUN from her home in Chaska, MN. Website: saoristudiofun.com

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Charles Samuel Benson, age 83, of Bloomington, passed away March 16, 2017.

Preceded in death by his wife Janet, his parents, Hazel and Clarence Benson, and his sister Jean Rice. Survived by his daughters and their husbands, Andrea Benson and Scott McLaughlin, and Kara and Justin Barrow; grandchildren, Sophia, Isabel, Brendan and Julian; siblings Daniel Benson (Mona), Rodney Benson (Kay), Pauline Bratt, and Philip Benson (Kris); brother in law Gene Rice (Jan); and many other family members and friends.

Charles was born in Cokato, MN. He and Janet made their home in Edina for 45 years, and raised their daughters there. Charles taught art in the Edina Public Schools, retiring in 1993. Earlier in his career he taught in Minnetonka and Frankfurt, Germany. In retirement, he was an active weaver, gardener and volunteer.

Lila Nelson was an adventurous Minnesota farm girl who left the land to attend college, join the U.S. Air Force, and then forge a national reputation as a scholar and artist of traditional Norwegian textiles. She and her late husband Marion Nelson are credited with transforming Vesterheim into the premier ethnic museum that it is today. In the mid-1960s, they were hired to catalog the collection of art, pottery, furniture, and other artifacts at the museum, then affiliated with Luther College. When Vesterheim became an independent nonprofit in 1965, Lila became the museum’s Textile Curator and Marion Nelson the museum’s Executive Director. Lila, who passed away on May 26, 2015, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at age 93, was an exceptional woman who was active in the Weavers Guild of Minnesota for decades, taught classes and led tours to Norway, and created an impressive body of weaving.

Lila Nelson was also featured in the 2012 Fiber Art Almanac, an art calendar featuring Midwest fiber and textile artists.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Ann Masemore’s primary focus is color in combination with recycled fabrics like t-shirts and cotton and wool clothing. She enjoys the play of color with pattern, and especially creating items from recycled fibers. Currently, the primary material Ann works with is recycled plastic, weaving it into handbags and totes. She has won several awards from the Midwest Weavers Conference for weavings produced from recycled and other found materials. Named the ‘color queen’ by one of her instructors, Ann’s work is notable for its bright color palette.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.

Donna Hanson was introduced to weaving on a rigid heddle and on a floor loom by her mother, a professional weaver, in the early 1970’s. A former special education teacher, Donna began teaching at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in 2009 and now teaches an average of 7 classes each trimester, including beginning and advanced techniques on floor looms and rug looms as well as lecture classes in design, color, blocks, and computer design. She has a particular interest in experimenting with color in her weaving, no matter the structure, and thoroughly enjoys the creative design process. Her work has been displayed at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, and the Minnesota State Fair, earning many ribbons, including the Sweepstakes in weaving.