With boundless energy and organizational savvy, Margaret Miller wove a diverse group of fiber artists -- from lace makers and knitters to weavers and beaders -- into an organization that has become a national leader in its field. Miller plans to retire July 1 after 18 years as founding director of the Textile Center, a nonprofit organization that runs an exhibition gallery and sales shop, publishes a newsletter, maintains a reference library and dye lab, and last year staged an international conference of textile artists and designers.

As executive director of the organization, Milller headed the capital campaign that raised $1.75 million to buy a former automobile showroom and convert it into what is now the Textile Center's headquarters. The renovated facility opened in 2001 at 3000 University Av. S. E. in Minneapolis.

Miller's "ability to meld the casual craftsman, established artist, textile enthusiast and donors into a flourishing single community was a great feat," said Ruth Stephens, the center's board president in a statement. The organization's board has begun a search for a new director. Following her retirement, Miller plans to do volunteer work abroad, which she calls "a long-term goal."