Missouri Basketweavers Guild – 2026 Annual Convention “If Baskets Could Talk”

The Missouri Basketweavers Guild (MBG) invites you to the 2026 Annual Convention – “If Baskets Could Talk”, a four-day celebration of basketry, creativity, and community.

Held July 30–August 2, 2026 at the Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center in Lebanon, Missouri, the convention brings together basketmakers of all experience levels to learn, weave, and share their love of the historic art of basketry.

MBG’s mission is to stimulate interest and perpetuate the historic art of basketry while providing an outlet for making new friends and sharing ideas, talents, and experiences—“If Baskets Could Talk” is the next chapter of that story.

Dates & Location

• When: July 30 – August 2, 2026 (Thursday–Sunday)

• Where: Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center

• Address: 500 E. Elm Street, Lebanon, MO 65536

The Cowan Civic Center is a large, multi-purpose complex in downtown Lebanon with an expansive exhibit hall, flexible meeting rooms, a 675-seat theater, and on-site walking trail—well suited to host conventions, trade shows, and craft gatherings like MBG’s annual event.

Convention Highlights

(You can tweak this copy once the official class list is released; it’s based on the guild’s mission and recent convention formats.)

At “If Baskets Could Talk,” attendees can expect:

• Four days of basketry classes with a variety of teachers, techniques, and skill levels—from beginner-friendly projects to advanced designs.

• A large exhibit hall for weaving, vendors, and gathering, plus smaller rooms for the exhibit, silent auction, and hospitality.

• A welcoming guild community where members share materials tips, design ideas, and the history of basketry in Missouri and beyond.

• Additional activities commonly offered at MBG conventions, such as:

  • Exhibit Room showcasing member and teacher baskets

  • Scholarships and awards presented during convention activities

  • Silent auction / raffles supporting MBG’s mission

  • Open weave tables for finishing projects or starting something new

More detailed information—class schedule, teacher list, exhibit guidelines, and evening activities—will be published on the MBG 2026 Annual Convention page as planning progresses.

Teacher & Vendor Opportunities

MBG is actively planning for 2026 and has opened key opportunities for involvement:

• Teacher class proposals for the 2026 convention are being accepted through Saturday, January 10, 2026 via the online proposal form.

• Vendor applications for vending space at the convention are accepted through Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

• The guild is also inviting donations in support of the 2026 event.

Prospective teachers, vendors, and sponsors can find links to the 2026 Teacher Class Proposals, 2026 Vendor Application, and Donations for 2026 directly on the Missouri Basketweavers Guild website.

About the Missouri Basketweavers Guild

The Missouri Basketweavers Guild, Inc. is dedicated to:

• Stimulating interest in basketry

• Perpetuating the historic art of basketmaking

• Providing an outlet for friendship, shared learning, and exchange of ideas

• Sharing information on materials, education, marketing, and history specific to basketmakers

The annual convention is the guild’s flagship event, welcoming members and guests from across Missouri and surrounding states.

Quick Facts

Event: Missouri Basketweavers Guild – 2026 Annual Convention “If Baskets Could Talk”
When: July 30 – August 2, 2026
Where: Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center, 500 E. Elm St, Lebanon, MO
Host: Missouri Basketweavers Guild, Inc.
Format: 4-day basketry convention with classes, exhibit, vendors, auctions & guild activities
Contact: convention-mbg@basketweavers.org

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