The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) is a nationwide organization devoted to the advancement of embroidery as an art form.
Established in 1985, NAN's mission is to uphold the highest standards in the needlearts by providing excellence in education to all those interested in furthering their embroidery skills as teachers, judges, artists, designers, authors, or technically proficient embroiderers. Read a concise history of NAN here.
Our flagship annual event, Assembly for Embroiderers, brings stitchers of all levels together for exceptional classes, discussion forums, juried exhibitions, and artistic inspiration. Held in conjunction with Assembly, The Exemplary is our celebrated needlearts exhibition showcasing original, adapted, and non-original works by stitchers at all stages of their journey. Our Certification Programs for teaching and judging needlework support members in becoming leaders and mentors in the field.
The National Academy of Needlearts is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Our recent IRS Form 990 filings are available from GuideStar.org or from the NAN Treasurer upon request.
