Honestly the quilt programs given by known quilt instructors are too expensive for more then one every other year or so. Once the 'seasoned' members saw what the workshop/class fee would be to even break even having these known quilters (if they would even travel) that they felt was what a guild should have, they decided it was best to have locals. We use as many local artists as possible for workshops and classes. The local art group has wonderful workshops on stamping and ink. We had workshops how to make fabric jewelry, painted quilt designs on wood, origami using fabric, crochet edging for fabrics and really any other interesting workshops that local people are willing to do.