In response to the United Nations declaration of the International Year of Natural Fiber (IYNF), fiber producers, processors, artists, and consumers all over Maine joined together in 2009 to celebrate the importance of plant and animal fibers in our state’s history and culture, and to explore fiber’s place in our agricultural and creative economies. Although the IYNF is over, Maine's celebration continues.

Fiber Maine-ia events for 2010 include

• monthly brown bag lunch lectures and interactive workshops on Maine’s fiber farming, processing, arts, and multi-cultural traditions;
• interactive gallery exhibits and programs related to textiles and textile tools;
• “Make It With Fiber in Maine” contest;
• Fiber Maine-ia Web site linking users to resources throughout Maine, including other organizations, programs, and activities;
• a week-long fiber day camp for children in Kindergarten through grade 6, investigating fiber farms and production, fiber processing, and fiber arts and crafts;
• programs and resources for teachers and students;
• Senior College course on fiber in Maine;
• special public programming during the August Maine Fiber Arts Weekend;
• a statewide festival and conference to be held in October 2010, featuring lectures, workshops, and demonstrations on fiber production, processing, and creative enterprise; exhibits of textile arts; a fiber show and sale; and fiber-theme performances.

See the calendar of upcoming events for dates and details.

The goals of Fiber Maine-ia are to

• cultivate awareness of the importance of plant and animal fiber production to Maine’s history, culture, and economy;

• inform beginner farmers and others interested in raising and processing fiber animals or crops;

• inspire appreciation of the beauty and utility of natural fibers produced in Maine;

• support networking among Maine fiber producers and consumers;

• help increase marketing opportunities for Maine fiber; and

• develop awareness of the impact of sustainable fiber production and consumption practices on our state, our nation, and our planet.