Early on, the Gallatin Valley Weaver’s gathered to bring together in mutual cooperation all handweavers in the Gallatin Valley that they may develop a knowledge and appreciation on the techniques of handweaving for creative work.
The Bozeman Weaver’s Guild was formally organized in 1968 with Margaret Post as the first president. Margaret and Lucille Culp recruited the first members of the guild from students who were attending classes at the Hillcrest Retirement Center. The Guild formed a constitution and by-laws in its early years and is a 501 c(3) organization. Because it’s tax exempt status, any donations made to the BWG are tax deductible.
In 1979 Karin Utzinger launched the newsletter, replacing the early phone tree means of keeping members informed. The Back Beam is now a monthly online newsletter with Wendy Fedock, wendy.fedock@gmail.com, Editor.
The BWB maintains a library of textile books and periodicals that have been collected over the years. The library list is available on the Resources Page. Barb Good is the current Librarian.
The BWG also has a wide selection of equipment for loan to its members. The complete list, compiled and administered by Susan Hellier is available on the Resources page.
BWG as an organization belongs to Montana Association of Weavers and Spinners (https://www.montanaweavespin.org) and the Association of Northwest Weavers Guilds (https://northwestweavers.org). BWG members have served on the executive boards of both groups.
The group has had an annual fall Show and Sale, study groups, sponsored fiber related workshops, and hosted regional and state weaving/spinning meetings. Its members have taught classes locally and for conferences, have sold their creations at local fairs and have demonstrated textile techniques in many venues from schools to museums to fairs. Members participate in guild challenges, Sheep to Shawl, weaving exchanges such as the coverlet project, and provide weaving for Guild booths at conventions. The BWG also has, as a part of its mission, Outreach to the Bozeman community.
As of 2010, eight of its members had been honored as “Living Treasures” by MAWS: Margaret Post, Katherine Bradbury, Barbara McMullen, Carol Roehm, Karin Utzinger, Mary Melander, JoAnne Setzer, and Pam Reifling, and Barb French.
Remembering Susan Hellier
Our guild lost Susan Hellier suddenly, and her absence will be deeply felt at our meetings and in this community. Small but mighty, she leaves a large space behind, and we want to honor that loss fully rather than rush past it. Grief deserves its time.
As we move forward, we carry her with us. The Bozeman Weavers Guild endures because of members like Susan, people who show up, contribute, and make this community what it is. We will find meaningful ways to remember her in the months ahead, and we look forward to gathering with the knowledge that her memory is forever welcomed and the wisdom that comes with it will continue to benefit our group for years to come.
Living Treasure Carol Roehm
The Bozeman Weavers Guild mourns the loss of a truly special person with the passing of Carol Roehm. She died on October 7, 2025, following an extended period of declining health. There will be a service for her at Hope Lutheran Church, October 21 at 11:00 with a graveside service following.
Carol and her husband, Dick, returned to Bozeman following his retirement; they had lived abroad for much of Dick’s military career. Carol joined the Bozeman Weavers Guild in the early 1980’s and quickly became a valued member. She served as guild president from 1986-1987 and again from 1996-1997. A skilled weaver, Carol was generous in sharing her knowledge with other weavers and was a frequent participant on various committees.
In 2006 Carol received the MAWS Living Treasure award which honors MAWS members who have made outstanding contributions in the field of fiber arts. Recipients must show excellence in their crafts, be proven leaders, and be a source of inspiration and encouragement to others.
Carol clearly met all the criteria. Carol was particularly adept at weaving fabric from which she fashioned articles of apparel. She co-led a guild program in October 2017 during which she and Mary Bartlo discussed sewing with handwoven fabrics. In the
photos that follow are several of her handwoven and sewn creations.
Carol carried herself with dignity. Pam Refling describes her as “an icon, an elegant woman, a wonderful weaver and fiber artist, and an inspiration for us all.” Warren says, “Such a grand lady. We are enriched by having known her.” Carol will be greatly missed and always remembered warmly.