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Contemporary tapestry makers often fall victim to a logical fallacy that might be presented by the syllogism: Socrates is a man; I am a man; therefore, I am Socrates. Some of the statements in the ATB5 catalogue fall into this trap, invoking the glorious history of tapestry as if that alone validated the work of contemporary tapestry makers. I play soccer on weekends; so does David Beckham; but I have no illusion that I am David Beckham.

Arguments about the place of tapestry, or about the mission of an organization like ATA, are little more than fantastical musings if they are not based on honest self assessment and self knowledge. Neither of these should be a threat to a healthy, realistic sense of self worth. ATB5 is a pleasant enough exhibit. Its participants should be proud of their work. They should also be honest enough to take the accolades of friends, enthusiasts and uncritical casual observers for what they are and not let them go to their heads. I think Thomas Osinski got it exactly right -- but what matters most is what you do with that sort of assessment, how you use it to better understand and assess your individual place as a tapestry maker and the appropriate goals and objectives for your organization. Ignoring such views, harsh as they may seem, will leave you wondering why no one sees you the way you see yourself, the way you want to be seen. Sort of like where tapestry artists and organizations have been for the last few decades.

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