Dear TSA members and friends,
With gratitude for their service, the Textile Society of America announces four resignations from its Board of Directors in late 2021 and early 2022. Ms. Karen Hampton, Vice president/President-elect; Ms. Maleyne Syracuse, Treasurer; and Ms. Katherine Diuguid, TSA News Digital Content Editor have resigned. Dr. Ann Peters, Board member-at-large, has also resigned at the end of her extended term. These board members have contributed their time and energy to TSA while the world continues to grapple with the global pandemic and struggle against systemic racism; we acknowledge that these factors have both forced and enabled significant changes within TSA. We offer our profound thanks to these valued colleagues.
Karen Hampton, Assistant Professor of Fine Arts, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, is a respected figure in the art world. Recognized for her work as a textile artist, educator, and mentor to emerging artists and academics, she has become a driver of crucial conversations to change the narrative and confront our racist histories in the United States. Throughout her tenure on the TSA Board of Directors Karen has been instrumental in shaping our response to increasing calls for diversity, equity and inclusion. Her loss as a TSA leader is a significant one, and we respect Karen’s decision to prioritize other aspects of her life and practice.
Maleyne Syracuse is an independent professional in corporate finance and investment management with extensive experience in organizational governance and textile arts. As the TSA treasurer, she has provided a clear voice as we navigated the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and transitioned to virtual programming and a virtual symposium in 2020. This was Maylene’s second election to the TSA Board of Directors, and her knowledge of the organization and ability to strategize financially and practically will be missed.
Katherine Duiguid is an artist, teacher and writer whose practice is based in historical embroidery. Her work has been shown internationally, and her practice marries traditional techniques and motifs with contemporary social themes. As TSA News Digital Content editor, Kat both edited and wrote numerous stories for the TSA community. With Lindsay Olson, Kat was a founder of the TSA Affinity group for stitching. Kat is focusing on her art, teaching and her young family; we will miss her regular presence at board meetings very much.
Ann Peters is an independent researcher affiliated with the Penn Museum; Her research focuses on funerary practices and the social role of the dead in ancient Peru. Ann specializes in analysis of textiles, examining production processes as a key to understanding culture. She has been a passionate advocate for colleagues in the Southern Hemisphere; this is a role she will continue to pursue as a TSA member.
As we navigate through these changes, Board member Wendy Roberts has taken on the role of part-time Interim Administrator and Coordinator, effective March 1. Wendy’s knowledge of and dedication to TSA is exemplary, and we are fortunate that she was available to take on this role during this time of transition.
We are grateful for our dedicated Board, committees, volunteers, members and friends. TSA maintains its commitment to serve its members and the textiles field. We will also continue our work to become an anti-racist and more equitable organization. As always, we thank you for your valuable support and we welcome feedback during this time of transition.
Melinda Watt
TSA President, 2020-2022
