With the recent political legislation in Tennessee, and other states, regarding the LGBTQ community, questions have now arisen about our Festival to be held at the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, a world-renowned art center in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. In selecting Arrowmont for our biennial festival two years ago, we were aware not only of their high artistic standards, but of their non-discriminatory policy which closely resembles that of SPIN. Now, we are on the cusp of enrollment for Festival 2016. Some have asked if our presence would offend or be viewed as non-supportive of the LGBTQ community.  We do not think so, and acknowledge publicly, that we stand united with our silk painting brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ community.

We must also be realistic. This is a human rights issue and SPIN will not close its eyes. And remaining silent is as good as condoning the new legislation. So when faced with discrimination, we choose to do what artists throughout history have done when faced with this issue, we will create art.  Both SPIN and Arrowmont would suffer more from canceling our festival than the legislators who are passing these discriminatory laws ever would. So, we have decided to extend a special call for solidarity within the SPIN membership. This year our festival is Silk in Transition. What better way to celebrate our growing community than by honoring the ways that silk and art bring us together in times of change? Our chapter project is Peace, Love and Understanding. Our Art Exhibit is Transitions. Let your creative juices flow to express what these concepts mean to you in this time of flux. We welcome and support ALL of our members including our LGBTQ artists. We look forward to the added creativity that will emerge at this very special SPIN Festival.

SPIN's Non-discriminatory Statement:

Silk Painters International (SPIN), an international organization of silk artists, declares publicly that it does not in any manner discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, creed, political belief, age, national origin, linguistic and language difference, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, height, weight, marital or familial status, or disability.  No one shall be denied  participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity available through SPIN.