The Embroiderers' Association of Canada (EAC) is a national non-profit educational organization whose purpose is to have a fellowship of persons who enjoy needlework and wish to learn and share their knowledge; and maintain higher standards of design, colour and workmanship throughout Canada.
Their aim is to preserve traditional techniques and promote new challenges in the Art of Embroidery through education and networking. See their online brochure.
The idea for a national Embroiderers' Association began with a small group of dedicated embroiderers who met in Winnipeg, in the studio of Leonida Leatherdale. Letters were sent to needlework groups and guilds across Canada.
The first formal organizational meeting was held September 27th, 1973. With the aid of competent legal advice, bylaws were drafted and approved by the federal government, and in November of 1974 the Embroiderers' Association of Canada, Incorporated officially came into existence. Head office was in Winnipeg, Manitoba - the geographic centre of Canada - where, it was felt, EAC could grow to the east and to the west.
The first EAC chapter was the Winnipeg Embroiderers' Guild, who sponsored the first two Seminars with participants from across Canada and the United States. Annual Seminars were held at various Canadian locales thereafter, and EAC began to gain members and chapters. Currently EAC has 46 chapters, and 17 youth groups with nearly 2,500 members in Canada and other countries throughout the world.
EAC is an active member of the International Council of Needlework Associations.
Privileges of Membership include:
- *Embroidery Canada Magazine - four issues yearly,
*Book, Slide & Video Libraries,
*Study Portfolios: Books on Crewel, Counted Thread and Canvas Embroidery, etc.,
*Individual and Group correspondence courses in techniques from basic to advanced,
*Workshops & Seminars,
*Exhibitions, Competitions and Awards
Types of Membership:
- *Chapter Membership (Individuals may join EAC through a local Chapter),
*National Membership (Individuals not affiliated with a local Chapter may join EAC as national members),
*Affiliate Membership (Groups belonging to other national organizations may become affiliated with EAC),
*Youth Membership (the purpose is to foster an interest and develop skills in the art of embroidery among the youth of Canada, and is open to those who are 9 to 17 years of age),
*Life Membership.