The 2026 NAN Exemplary

Melita went to this year's Exemplary, which is what the National Academy of Needlearts calls their yearly seminar exhibit, and won ribbons!  MAJOR ribbons!  Here is her report.  Eventually NAN will put photos of the 2026 winners on their website but it's too early for that yet.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/03/13/2026-national-academy-of-needlearts-nan-assembly/

NAN has updated their website with the winners and their artistic statements.

https://gallery.needleart.org/2026-exemplary-ribbon-winners/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTRljNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3NGUzWVVpaHJ6NlBZY1F6c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtvLEmURQ25fz0jRpdGtR3i4QA7rm35gODb_tmlWlcuvYETWxiFlE3Q5PJYx_aem_PEKORQqa9vS-n6fhZJSq8w

UPDATE:  The People's Choice winner for 2026 was an Alison Cole goldwork poppy stitched by Helen G.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1458739096292936&set=a.562869925879862

Good luck to Mary Alice Stinton who took a tumble at NAN.  I think she's fine, just needed to go home to recover.  

UPDATE #2:  Barbara Richardson won the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1477788584387987&set=a.562869925879862

UPDATE #3:  Here are the winners in the Original Design category!

https://www.facebook.com/nationalacademyofneedlearts/posts/pfbid08s73hKkzFc4uRsp4ZeKhvNhS8P9h7Jc1LybZztYyXKquJ5fYH7hGEvmUs6MphLoPl

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

2025 National Academy of Needlearts Winners

The National Academy of Needlearts has updated their website with a list of winners from their 2025 Exemplary.

https://needleart.org/gallery/exemplary-gallery/2025-exemplary-ribbon-winners/

Once you click on a photo, you can then use the right side arrow to move through the listing of winners in that section, see their work, and read a bit about it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 23, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ready to Take Your Needlepoint to the Next Level?

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) now offers needlework evaluations by their certified judges.  You have to take photos of your work, fill out a form, and email it all to NAN.  It costs $40 on a credit card paid through PayPal.  You will get a response that they've received your request within 7 days and the evaluation should arrive in 2-3 weeks.  

https://needleart.org/evaluation/

If you don't have a shop or stitching friends to critique your work, this is a fabulous way to get feedback so you improve your stitching.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 29, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Walking the Waters Edge for Sale at NAN

Are you a fan of Diane Herrmann's "Walking the Water's Edge"?  This teaching piece has been discontinued but Diane is donating the chart to the National Academy of Needlearts to sell as a fund raiser.  All the details are here, including what materials you'll need to order to go with the instructions.

https://needleart.org/walking-the-waters-edge-by-diane-herrmann/

This is very nice of you, Diane!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 17, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Melita Goes to NAN 2025

Lucky Melita Glavin has gone to the National Academy of Needle Arts' seminar in Michigan and is reporting in for the rest of us.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/14/2025-national-academy-of-needlearts-nan-assembly/

NAN hasn't started yet so Melita visited two (The Knotted Needle and the new location for The Wool and The Floss) of the four shops in the area.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/15/exploring-around-detroit-motown-museum-knotted-needle-and-the-wool-and-the-floss/

Melita met several interesting people at the opening banquet and has lots of news for us, including the fact that Diane Herrman's "Walking the Water's Edge" is being retired but the instructions will be sold to benefit NAN.  Great news!  If you aren't familiar with this design, check out the second link below.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/16/2025-national-academy-of-needlearts-nan-assembly-opening-banquet-the-exemplary-and-the-needleworks/

https://needleart.org/walking-the-waters-edge-by-diane-herrmann/

Melita's started her first class and attended some events.  A good time was had!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/17/flowering-maple-with-celeste-chalasani-at-national-needlearts-academy-nan-and-closing-banquet/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/18/flowering-maple-with-celeste-chalasani-at-national-needlearts-academy-nan/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 15, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NAN Announces Death of Carlene Harwick

The National Academy of Needleartists has announced the passing of Carlene Harwick, designer, needlework judge, and teacher of so many of us through NAN and the American Needlepoint Guild.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1130885679078281&set=a.562869925879862

Everyone who knew her thought she was a wonderful lady.  We mourn our loss today.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 12, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

2024 National Academy of Needlearts Winners

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) has announced their 2024 award winners.  If you click on each thumbnail photo, you'll see a closeup and be able to read about the piece.  If there are more than one ribbon winner in a category you can click on the right side arrow to see them all.  Click on the X at the top right hand corner to return to the summary page.

https://needleart.org/2024-exemplary-ribbon-winners/

UPDATE:  Celeste Chalasani has completed the Teacher Cum Laude program to much acclaim.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=943909474442570&set=a.562869925879862

https://needleart.org/teacher-cum-laude/celeste-chalasani/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NAN's Lifetime Achievement Award Goes to

The National Academy of Needlearts has awarded their 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dawn Cornish Donnelly!  Congratulations!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=901795471987304&set=a.562869925879862

You can get to know Dawn a little and see some of her needle art on the NAN website.

https://needleart.org/gallery/lifetime-achievement-award/dawn-donnelly/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 18, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NAN Judging of Your Work for a Small Fee

The National Academy of Needlearts is now offering professional evaluation of your work for only $40.  This page on their website tells you how to ask for an evaluation and as a bonus, has lots of tips for taking photographs of your piece.  Those will come in handy even if you never submit a piece for NAN to critique.

https://needleart.org/evaluation/?fbclid=IwAR00ggI5_aLFQl7IJTTZgr3d-oE13pv3r9H4XsHQP_pCBV0SS0N0yknZ3kA

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 18, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Exemplary Winners 2023

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) has started posting the 2023 award winners on their Facebook page.  First, here are the first place winners in the Professional Original category.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=678161771017343&set=a.562869925879862

Here are more first place winners in two more categories.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=678161771017343&set=a.562869925879862

More winners!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=704671088366411&set=a.562869925879862

If you want to see all the winners, check the NAN website.

https://needleart.org/exemplary/2023-exemplary-ribbon-winners/?fbclid=IwAR0CzSqa2NVhRyL3-haKp-EEUFQWlWWK6JWIfxNfXA3hCOlNXDovDqsTRrA

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 30, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NAN's 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Granted

The National Academy of Needlearts has announced that the 2023 winner of their Lifetime Achievement Award is Lynn Payette.  If you click on the tiny tree trunks image in the upper left corner of the collage of her works, you can view all 26 designs in a larger format.  They do take a while to load, however.  Be patient. The show is worth the wait.

https://needleart.org/gallery/lifetime-achievement-award/lynn-payette/

I'm impressed that most years NAN gives this award.  There are truly an amazing number of needle teachers and artists among us.  Take some time to explore the links to see them all.

https://needleart.org/gallery/lifetime-achievement-award/?fbclid=IwAR2UqyyOVn5sazefPR_jpZZGpaO9ltOQTLuFmQ7FvIq45GZdOebGGM4a-Ig

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 8, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NAN's Assembly 2024 Classes Announced

The National Academy of Needlearts has announced their teachers and classes for their Spring 2024 Assembly.  The link to the class list is at the bottom of this page.

https://needleart.org/assembly/

Registration starts next October, so you have plenty of time to decide what you'd like to take.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 2, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Janet Mitchell Fischell Has Died

National Academy of Needlearts has announced the death of Janet Mitchell Fischel.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=598692995630888&set=a.562869925879862

A teacher, designer and member of ANG and EGA and NAN, she will be missed.

https://garrettsykesfs.com/obituaries/janet-mason-mitchell-fishel/?fbclid=IwAR15IyAss1Ivgv5M75rODRCAtj-uxOT8otGrt4eiYzH5RHVHKz7sbfUl1sg

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 17, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Living Treasure: Elizabeth Bozevich

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) occasionally gives the Living Treasure Award to people who have contributed mightily behind the scenes at the organization.  This year the award has been given to Elizabeth Bozevich, who belongs to NAN and gives her expertise to the organization.

https://www.facebook.com/nationalacademyofneedlearts/posts/pfbid013d4BHmS8YH3ZgddeSrNhTuRTrdtYcCibF7jeVYoRuegmdFKHocJH4SNuRE7j5Kgl

Why does that name ring a bell?  Elizabeth is also the editor of Needlepoint Now magazine.

Congratulations!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 20, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The New Master Teacher (NAN)

The Nantional Academy of Needlearts (NAN) just awarded Dianne Herrmann her Master Teacher's Certificate.  You have to do various things to achieve this certification, including creating an expertise piece.  You can read about Dianne's design on the NAN website. It's quite a story!

https://needleart.org/2022/08/02/weaving-hope-kem-iyebal/?fbclid=IwAR3fT3aEHevhss2u0xcHW4_tEYnQ08jAC6K4YdizLaa91fxuB4KLMlZxfQk

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 7, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Needleart Judge's Reference (Revised 2021 Edition) UPDATED

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) just annouced they have revised A Needleart Judge's Reference.  The original was published in 2013 and the revised edition is dated 2021.

https://needleart.org/publications/a-needleart-judges-reference/?fbclid=IwAR0PLlRmgC4S9oFvM5L942-fzmv5PiTmpPUPTO9AMTTI1TFuFE0ohw82IIY

This is a must-have for needle arts judges and a useful reference for those who want to improve their needle art for exhibit.  If you want a copy, I suggest you email the Director of Judges' Certification to see how to purchase a copy.

https://needleart.org/contact/

UPDATE:  Brenda's Needlepoint Studio has done a review of this book.  She thinks it is a fabulous resource for anyone who is involved in needlepoint exhibits.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2022/06/a-needleart-judges-reference-by-nan.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 6, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Popular Choice Winner at the Exemplary UPDATED

The National Academy of Needlearts just announced the Popular Choice winner at their 2022 Exemplary -- it's Rachel Watkins' "Circular Fans."

https://www.facebook.com/nationalacademyofneedlearts/photos/a.369271916709/10158147121961710/

This isn't the first time Rachel's won.  You can see more of her work at the NAN website.

https://needleart.org

UPDATE:  The NAN website has posted photos of all the 2022 winners.   Click on a photo and you'll have a better photo plus the artist's statement.

https://needleart.org/2022-exemplary-ribbon-winners/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 25, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kente Inspiration: An Introduction to Needlepoint

Denise Beusen's introduction to needlepoint lessons is up on the NAN website. 

https://needleart.org/publications/free-patterns/free-kente-patterns/

The design is done on 18 count canvas using perle cotton and wool in African abstract patterns.  The lessons explain step-by-step how to mount a canvas on stretcher bars, why stitch tension matters, even explains a good way to protect your stitching while traveling. It's a great tutorial.  Raid your stash for supplies and gift this to someone you don't see often to teach them needlepoint.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 28, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Free Hearts for Hospice Charts from NAN

The National Association of Needle Artists has added a section of free heart charts to their website.  These are intended to be used for the Hearts for Hospice program.  The designs are from graduates of the NAN certification program and they are lovely.

https://needleart.org/publications/free-patterns/?fbclid=IwAR318-cVylTtXvZgfA-3yBpzAKdNAkWqVbTvalQmlE3uoSP-_lHoyVltnoA

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 28, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NAN Goes Virtual for 2021

The National Academy of Needlearts' Exemplary is going virtual for 2021.

https://needleart.org

This year the exhibit will be virtual.  Because it is images only, there will be no judging.  Follow the links and fill out the form to exhibit your favorite piece of needlework in an image.  The deadline is February 16th, though, so get busy!

https://nationalacademyofneedlearts.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/the-exemplary-entry-form.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 21, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.