Please note: Additional award and other information is forthcoming so be sure to check back from time to time.
Complex Weavers announces Complexity 2026, a juried international members’ exhibition featuring works that employ complex or innovative design, techniques, and/or weave structures. Complex weaving is defined by the cloth produced and the mind it took to create it, not by the equipment used.
Entries will be viewed anonymously by three jurors. Equally weighted judging criteria are: originality of design; effective use of complexity through design, technique, or weave structure; technical excellence; visual impact; and effective use of color palette. Surface embellishments, construction, and finishing techniques must aesthetically enhance the work.
Jurors:
The jurors for Complexity 2026 are Lynn Smetko, Pauline Verbeek, and Laurie Carlson Steger. Learn more about the jurors here.
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Lynn Smetko |
Pauline Verbeek |
Laurie Carlson Steger |
Prospectus and Application:
| See full details about the Prospectus and a link to apply for Complexity 2026 here.
For those familiar with Complexity, please note:
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Venue:
| Lakewood Cultural Center 470 S Allison Parkway Lakewood, Colorado |
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Exhibition:
- Dates: May 29 – August 16, 2026
- Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 am-5 pm, Sat: 9 am-1 pm. Also open whenever classes are being held in the building or a performance in the 320 seat theater.
- Complex Weavers Opening: June 11, 2026 6pm to 8pm
Criteria for Complexity 2026 Awards
Sandra Hutton Award for Best in Show: This award was previously known at the Sandra Hutton Award for Excellence in Complex Weaving. The recipient of this award will demonstrate the superior design skills, meticulous craftsmanship and high standards that were so evident in Sandy’s weaving. $500
Complex Weavers Award: This award focuses on excellence in weaving a piece that is original in both design and execution, using a threading draft or structure that achieves a complex interlacement of threads and fibers beyond plain weave. Workshop samples, kits, pieces woven under supervision or taken directly from published works are not eligible for the Award. There is no requirement that the pieces must be woven on a designated number of shafts or on a multi-shaft loom. 1st $300 and Complex Weavers ribbon, 2nd $200, 3rd $150
Handweavers Guild of America for Outstanding Works of Fiber Art: Certificate of Achievement, Handwoven Ribbon, publication in SS&D. Award Criteria: Must embody a unique interpretation; demonstrate a fresh, individual approach, and express personal creativity; must exemplify a complete understanding of both aesthetic and functional considerations; and must demonstrate excellence in technical skills. weavespindye.org
Treenway Silk Award for Best Use of Silk: $250 gift certificate. treenwaysilks.com
Heddlecraft More with Less Award: Excellence and Innovation on Eight or Fewer Shafts. $100 plus subscription to Heddlecraft and Heddlecraft Award Ribbon. heddlecraft.com
Handweaving.net: Excellence in Weaving, with creative use of color and patterning, using inspiration from the Archives, and/or tools of Handweaving.net. 5-year subscription to Handweaving.net
The SDA Award of Excellence: This award is for excellence and innovation in textile and fiber art, for promoting the mission of SDA (Surface Design Association) and furthering the field of textiles and fiber art. One year premium digital membership in SDA. surfacedesign.org
Gist Yarn: for Best Use of Gist Yarn. $150 gift certificate. gistyarn.com
People’s Choice Award: by vote of the exhibit visitors, sponsored by the Complexity Committee. $300
Exhibit Calendar
| Online entry window | Nov. 1, 2025 – Feb 6, 2026 |
| Jury review | Feb. 12 – Mar 20, 2026 |
| Jury notification | March 30, 2026 |
| Work arrives | May 11 – 22, 2026 |
| Exhibit opens | May 29, 2026 |
| CW Reception | June 11, 2026 |
| Exhibit closes | August 16, 2026 |
| Online Gallery | June 11, 2026 |
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Promotion and Advertising
- Reception and Transportation
- Hanging the Exhibit and Packing/Unpacking
Contact complexity@complex-weavers.org to see how you can volunteer!
Support Complexity
Mounting an exhibit like Complexity is a major effort, both in terms of time and dollars. Click here to learn how to support future exhibits.
Previous Exhibits
View the work from previous exhibits in our Complexity galleries. Complexity 2024 Catalog may also be seen at complexityexhibition.org.