FAQs - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When and where does MOFA meet?
Missouri Fiber Artists meet once a year. There is a conference (with an exhibition, keynote speaker, fashion show, and workshops) in even calendar years. In odd calendar years, we meet for a retreat, which is less formal. The venues for conferences and retreats vary throughout the state. There may also be meetings organized by your regional representative. Check the event calendar for up-to-date listings.
When do I pay my dues and can they be paid online?
Membership is yearly on a renewal basis. You will receive an email notification when your membership renewal is due.
• If you have filled out the online form on this site, the notification will include a link for payment.
• If you have not filled out an online form on this site yet, you will get a notification from Julie Reed/mofamembership@gmail.com about renewal.
*** With transition to the new website, everyone will be asked to fill out an online form this year so that the recurring membership notifications can be set up. If you prefer paper/by mail membership, contact Julie: mofamembership@gmail.com
I've just joined MOFA. Now what happens?
You’ll receive an acknowledgment and a welcome to MOFA from the Membership Chair. You will also receive access to the MEMBERS ONLY section of the website, receive the MOFA newsletter and periodic email notifications of activities. Your membership includes a page in the Artists Gallery - click here for submission guidelines. You will be able to show your work in member’s exhibitions and fashion shows and be able to enter juried competitions. You may apply for a scholarship to attend a workshop or conference. The application for scholarships is here.
Do I get a membership card?
While some organizations do issue membership cards, MOFA does not. We do, however, prepare a name tag which identifies you by name as a MoFA member. The name tag is magnetic and is not damaging to garments. We encourage you to wear it to MoFA and other events.
Is there a Membership Directory?
Yes! The MOFA Membership Directory is updated quarterly and is viewable and printable.
Can I register for the conference and the retreat on-line and pay for my registration on-line?
No, not at this time. Check the events tab for conference and retreat information and payment specifics.
Does MOFA sponsor exhibitions?
Yes. Usually, there is a membership exhibition in conjunction with the biennial conference, and an informal exhibition of member work is included in the retreat activities as well, both not juried. In addition, Speaking of Fibers, a St. Louis based MoFA, juried exhibition, is presented in odd-numbered years. Other recent opportunities have included Pairings, a traveling show, Here and There and 12×12 by MOFA, all unjuried member shows. Often there are two shows per year, where all members can enter, plus additional regional shows.
How do I enter a MOFA juried exhibition?
Announcements of exhibitions come via the newsletter, the website, Facebook postings, and periodic email notifications. The call for entry will give you the most complete and official information about the exhibition. More in-depth questions can be answered by emailing, exhibitions@missourifiberartists.org
How do I know what's going on?
All events are located under CALENDAR in the main navigation.
How do I spread the word about an event or call for entry?
You have several options for publicizing activities:
– Via the Publicity Chair: publicity.mofa@gmail.com
– Via the Newsletter: newslettereditor.mofa@gmail.com
– Via the Web Editor: webmaster.mofa@gmail.com
– Periodic email postings: president.mofa@gmail.com
Submit to your regional rep for Facebook postings. You will find a list of regional reps for your area, under “Leadership” in the main menu.
MoFA exhibitions usually ask for an artist statement. Do you have any suggestions for writing an artist statement?
Yes, you will find instructions here, as well as under “Writing an Artist Statement” in the (Members Only) section.
What do I need to know to host a regional MoFA exhibit?
All MoFA sanctioned shows begin with the completion of a form, available by contacting exhibitions.mofa@gmail.com, and by acceptance from MoFA’s Board of Directors.
You mention exhibitions. Are there other ways in which I can show off what I'm doing?
Yes. There are many ways to gain exposure:
– Fashion shows are usually included at both the conference and the retreat
– Volunteering to teach a workshop or present a program at either event or for a regional meeting.
– Exchanging ideas and techniques at informal gatherings or on MOFA Chit & Chat
– Write an article for the blog/newsletter
– Include your work in the ARTISTS GALLERY on the website
How can I become involved in MoFA?
Opportunities are varied, by attending retreats, conferences, or regional meetings, to running for office or serving on the Board in a volunteer position. Check the “Member” tab to further explore ways of becoming involved. Some other examples include writing an article for the newsletter, volunteering to help a committee chair, or becoming a regional representative.
I'm considering serving on the MoFA Board as an officer or a committee chair. How do I find out what each job entails?
Two good sources exist:
First, ask the person currently holding the position, what tasks are included as part of the job, what skills are needed, and how will it benefit you. For detailed information, each officer and committee chair keeps a notebook of documents and action plans.
Second, you will find a complete list of tasks associated with each position, under “Job Descriptions” in the (“Members Only”) section.
What does a regional representative do?
Missouri is divided into eight regions. Additional regions include any members living outside of Missouri. Volunteers within each region assume leadership for that area. Regional representatives promote MoFA and the fiber arts locally, by organizing regional activities, writing news articles for the MoFA newsletter and local newspapers, or by speaking to local organizations about fiber art and MoFA activities. More information can be found under “LEADERSHIP” in the main menu.
You've mentioned the MEMBERS ONLY section several times. What is in that section?
Items include MoFA’s Constitution, the By-Laws, an up-to-date membership directory, complete copies of the newsletter, and the application for scholarships. Other resources will be added as the need arises.
Does MoFA have presence on social media?
Yes, Missouri Fiber Artists is active on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Make sure to join and participate on MOFA Chit & Chat - our private Facebook group.