A community built on
shared passion

Needlework experienced a renaissance in the early 1970s, and Minnesota was no exception. In fall 1971, Marnie Hensel and Mary Dayton organized a statewide needlework exhibition to raise funds for the Minnetonka Center for Arts and Education. More than 400 individuals entered their work — far more than anyone expected.

Motivated by that response, the organizers collected names and addresses of everyone interested in forming a permanent group. Georgiana Kane led a provisional cabinet through the formative period, and in May 1972 the group held its first annual meeting. With the adoption of bylaws in 1973, it became the Needlework Guild of Minnesota — with approximately 50 charter members.

More than 50 years later, the Guild has grown to roughly 200 members. That original spirit remains: a genuine love of handiwork, and the belief that making things together is better than making things alone.