Fiber Art Organization
in Dallas–Fort Worth, TX
Welcome to Dallas Area Fiber Artists (DAFA), a dynamic and progressive organization that promotes fiber art through education, workshops and exhibitions.
Our members range from established artists to new enthusiasts, many of whom employ fiber processes that combine traditional, contemporary and experimental techniques.
DAFA's monthly programs include lectures and demonstrations on subjects such as thread and fabric painting, surface design, papermaking, mixed-media collage, garment design, fiber jewelry, altered books and many other fiber techniques.
We welcome all fiber artists, including art quilters, dyers, weavers, beaders, printers, felters, papermakers, doll makers, embroiderers, and mixed-media innovators.
Important Dates
Saturday, October 11, 2025
- Journals as a Canvas for Fiber Arts with Renee Turner
- Make Your Own Mini Travel Journal mini-workshop
- Schedule change: Program and optional mini-workshop will run concurrently at 10 a.m.
Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Design a Digital Vision Board with Christine Miller
- Mini-workshop change: 8 Studio Habits of Mind with Christine Miller
- Artwork dropoff for Made with Love exhibition
December 1, 2025 - January 1, 2026
- Made with Love exhibition at Dallas Love Field
Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Holiday Party at 10 a.m.
- First opportunity to drop off pieces for 2026 DAFA Retrospective at party
Monday, December 15 - Wed., December 17, 2025
- Final opportunity to drop off pieces for 2026 DAFA Retrospective at Keller Town Hall
Saturday, January 10, 2026
- Fiber and Wool Felt Art, presented by Jeanne Akita
- Additional details TBA
Monday, January 12 - February 24, 2026
- 2026 DAFA Retrospective exhibition at Keller Town Hall
Thursday, January 15, 2026
- Artist reception for the 2026 DAFA Retrospective
Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Mixed-Media Madness! Three workshops included in one fee. Confirmed: Book Sculpture with VET
- Additional Workshops TBA
Please go to the Programs and Workshops, Shows, and Community Service pages for more information.
Art detail is by DAFA's former president, Lisa Covert.

100% of donations go to DAFA
We are thrilled to announce that 100% of your online donation will go directly to DAFA when you use the North Texas Giving Day webpage for the duration of 2025.
That means that zero PayPal or credit card fees will be taken out of your donation!
North Texas Giving Day took place on
Thursday, September 18, 2025, but you can still donate.
For membership inquiries, visit the Join page or contact us at membership@dallasfiberartists.org.
To sign up for the newsletter, click here.
In Memoriam
Mary Ellen Searcy
In July 2025, Mary Ellen Searcy, a much-loved former member of DAFA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She was 88.
While Mary Ellen poured her heart into her family and community, she also carved out an extraordinary legacy in the world of fiber art. A nationally recognized artist and instructor, Mary Ellen’s innovative works blended fabric paints, metallic leaf, powders, inks, and found objects into stunning art quilts and collages. She held Level II teaching certification in canvas from the National Academy of Needlearts, and her award-winning pieces are included in private collections and the permanent collection of NAN.
She taught across North America for prestigious organizations including the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, the American Needlepoint Guild, the Embroiderers’ Association of Canada, and others. Her creativity, talent, and generosity of spirit inspired countless students and fellow artists. In recognition of her excellence, she was awarded the Jeanne Howard and Joan Muller Scholarships, and her piece Blue Opalescence Squared was selected for NAN’s permanent collection in 1993.
As a member of DAFA, she contributed by teaching an inspiring mini workshop on April 22, 2019 for a refined beaded buttonhole edge stitch for embellishing.
Mary Ellen generously donated her studio contents, including embroidery threads, and supplies, large amounts of beads, and many fiber art books to DAFA when she moved to assisted living a few years ago.
Mary Ellen was a woman of immense grace, strength, and quiet determination. She loved deeply, gave selflessly, and led by example in every chapter of her life—as a wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, artist, and community leader.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one or more of the organizations that were close to Mary Ellen’s heart: the American Needlepoint Guild, the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, and the Geneva All Sports Boosters.



Quilt Drive for those affected by the 2025 Guadalupe River Flood
My Fabric Friends, a quilt shop in Victoria, Texas, is collecting finished and unfinished quilts, tops, fabric, and blocks to create quilts for those affected by the Guadalupe River Flood. Please see our Community Service Page for information about how to contribute.
For membership inquiries, visit the Join page or contact us at membership@dallasfiberartists.org.
To sign up for the newsletter, click here.
It's SHOWTIME!
The 2025 Annual Show / Beyond Boundaries: Fiber Art Explorations
- On display at Granville Arts Center from August 19 to September 14, 2025
Made with Love exhibition
- On display at Love Field airport from December 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026
- On exhibit at Keller Town Hall from January 12 to February 24, 2026
Art is by DAFA member Andie Comini.
This Year's Community Service Project
Dolls & Bears for Children in Crisis
Join us in making cloth dolls and bears to bring joy, hope, and comfort to children in need. The dolls and bears will be distributed in the U.S. and worldwide through the Dolls of Hope charitable organization.
It's time to pay your membership dues!
Please
go to the
Join
page to fill out your membership form and pay your dues.
Art is by DAFA member Christine Miller.
To sign up for the newsletter, click here.
Meeting Information and Location
With few exceptions, the Dallas Area Fiber Artists monthly meeting takes place on the 2nd Saturday of each month. It starts with our general meeting and program at 10:00 a.m., followed by a hands-on mini-workshop.
Meeting Location
The Point Center for Arts and Education
Campus of CC Young Retirement Community
4847 W. Lawther Dr.
Dallas, TX 75214