The new direction paid off. Since Diane became EVFAC’s executive director in 2002, the Center has expanded from the front room of a historic building to a 6,350 square-foot building, and the group now owns the building instead of renting it. The purchase was funded by the U.S. Department of Economic Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and donations from individuals in the community and private foundations. This year, the building will undergo structural renovations. Diane also has been instrumental in getting community involvement from members who have donated money, looms, yarns, books, and many volunteer hours. Today, EVFAC has grown from 50 members to more than 425 members, with a five-member staff.

Diane understands firsthand the challenges facing artists, as she has been a painter and sculptor for 40 years. She moved to Los Luceros in northern New Mexico in 1992. On the urging of a friend, she learned to weave at EVFAC. “What really hooked me was tapestry,” said Diane. “It appealed to my painter and sculptor side and it’s an art form where your whole body and mind are involved.” Diane started working at EVFAC as a part-time production weaver, which deepened her education and appreciation of the fiber arts.

Diane weaves tapestries on commission for individuals and churches. In 2007, Diane received the Best Practices Award for outstanding achievement in the field of economic development from the New Mexico Infrastructure Finance Conference.

Diane also faced significant personal challenges after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. She recently underwent more than eight months of treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. “It was the support and love from my church and the wonderful members of EVFAC that made it possible for me to continue working and maintaining my belief in the future,” said Diane. “I have learned the meaning of community from these people and it’s that kind of connection that makes my work meaningful to me.”

While Diane has gained strength to heal from the community and members of EVFAC, they in turn have benefited from her dedication and hard work. Pam from Los Alamos learned to weave, knit, and crochet at EVFAC. She joined one of the entrepreneurial groups to expand her knowledge and then launched her own part-time fiber arts business. Jody from Ojo Sarco weaves to support her family. She says the little group of women from the High Road villages would have disbanded without the support and encouragement of EVFAC. There are countless thank you letters, including one from Karen in Taos, who writes: “EVFAC is a very special place and has a huge impact on the well-being of a lot people in Northern New Mexico.” Even the Mayor of Española, Joseph Maestas, is a fan. He wrote: “The Center’s success in evolving from a small fiber arts support group to a multifaceted business incubator is a wonderful model of entrepreneurship for its clients as well as for the city, the county, and the Northern New Mexico region.”

EVFAC has a two-fold mission: to provide learning opportunities in the fiber arts for people of all ages and backgrounds, and to provide entrepreneurial training and economic opportunities for fiber artists. It serves primarily Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties, but also Taos, Los Alamos, Mora, San Miguel, and beyond.

EVFAC was founded in 1995 by a small group of weavers who learned that many families had inherited looms but had no knowledge of the heritage and techniques of Northern New Mexico textiles practiced by their grandparents. These weavers started teaching weaving with donated looms in a local church. With a grant from the McCune Charitable Foundation they were able to rent space and open a business in 1996.

EVFAC is strongly committed to the economic empowerment of fiber artists and provides extensive business training for artists by partnering with the Regional Development Corporation, WESST Corp, a nonprofit economic development organization in Albuquerque, and the Small Business Development Center.

Members have access to discounted supplies, use of equipment, studio space, and technical and marketing assistance from staff and volunteers. Entrepreneurial groups work together, learning to create products and bring them to market. New artists can work with experienced artists in an apprentice relationship. Many artists rent affordable studio spaces in the building as well. EVFAC offers business classes and helps artists with marketing their creations. There are many shows and exhibitions where members can sell their work. In addition, many artists place their work for sale in EVFAC’s consignment gallery.

“I try to promote a very welcoming environment,” said Diane. “It’s important for artists to be able to get encouragement from other artists and exchange ideas.”

In 2007, show and gallery opportunities generated nearly $60,000 in sales for 168 artisans, many from rural areas where the added income is very welcome. “We want to ensure that these artists have earning opportunities while maintaining their way of life,” added Diane.

EVFAC stocks a large selection of yarns and equipment that is for sale to members, students, and to the general public. Many members raise churro sheep and are able to sell the fleece at the Center. Members who make handspun or naturally dyed yarns are also able to market their products at the Center.

The organization offers more than 50 adult classes a year taught by locally and nationally known fiber artists. There is an emphasis on traditional art forms such as Rio Grande, Chimayó, and Navajo weaving, colcha embroidery, jerga weaving, natural dyeing, spinning, basketry, and Pueblo sash weaving. A children’s program includes a one-week summer fiber arts day camp.

“I think this Center is unique because it’s a community,” said Diane. “When you get people together who love something like art, there is so much positive energy and encouragement— that’s important for artists.”

Some of the members are mentors, such as Irvin Trujillo, winner of a National Heritage Fellowship from National Endowment for the Arts, and Lisa Trujillo and Beatrice Maestas, winners of many awards at the Spanish Market in Santa Fe. Students across Northern New Mexico have opportunities to learn from fiber artists from other parts of the world.

“Drawn together by a love of beauty, our members find many opportunities for intercultural understanding as they work and learn together,” said Diane. “We think EVFAC, through its classes and other services, is helping build our community, and is a unique and valuable asset to northern New Mexico.”

For more information on EVFAC go to www.evfac.org.

Laurie Volkin is a public relations specialist, freelance writer, and film/video producer. Her articles have been published in numerous local, national publications and websites, and she can be reached at lavolkin@msn.com.