IWCE Names Linda Tully Artisan Atelier Director for 2027
Award-winning fabricator and educator succeeds Sandra VanSickle following six years of inspiring leadership
TAMPA, FL — The International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) announces Linda Tully as Artisan Atelier Director for IWCE 2027, taking place March 14–16 at the Tampa Convention Center. Tully will lead the show’s creative hub for artisan education and collaboration, with programming on the exhibit floor March 15–16.
Tully succeeds Sandra VanSickle, whose inspiration and generous leadership have helped shape the program over the past six years. IWCE is deeply grateful for the time, talent and enthusiasm VanSickle has shared with the artisan community. Her commitment to bringing professionals together, sharing knowledge and encouraging creativity has made a lasting impact on the program and those who participate.
An award-winning custom window treatment designer, fabricator and educator, Tully brings more than 20 years of experience to her new role. Her business, Tully Drapery Shop, specializes in custom window treatments and bedding, including challenging windows and intricate fabrication. Her accomplishments include Window Fashion VISION’s Workroom of the Year award in 2011 and 2019.
A familiar teacher at IWCE, Tully has shared her expertise in workroom techniques, pattern making and sketching designs to scale. Her dedication to teaching extends beyond the classroom through mentorship and online tutorials, helping both emerging and experienced artisans develop their skills and bring their designs to life.
For 2027, Tully is introducing a new Hands-On Studio classroom within the Artisan Atelier booth. This addition will offer seven focused, 60-minute classes where attendees can work directly with experienced instructors, practice specialized techniques and explore more advanced fabrication and finishing methods.
Led by Tully and fellow instructors Michelle Thompson, Hannah Brendel, Olga Kott and Cade Smith, the classes will cover round table skirts, ripplefold snap tape preparation, Roman shade safety and mechanisms, pinch pleats, decorative banding and mitered corners, relaxed Roman shade variations, and couture details such as rosettes, choux and bows.
The new classroom will complement the Artisan Atelier’s live demonstrations, panel discussions and creative displays featuring fabrics, trims, hardware and industry innovations. Together, these experiences will connect fabricators, designers, installers, upholsterers and suppliers through practical learning and the exchange of ideas.
Under Tully’s direction, the Artisan Atelier will build on its tradition of generous knowledge sharing while creating new opportunities for attendees to strengthen their craftsmanship and take fresh ideas back to their businesses.
For program information and opportunities to sponsor or contribute products, visit iwce-vision.com/artisan-atelier or contact Linda Tully at tullydraperyshop@gmail.com.
About IWCE
The International Window Coverings Expo brings together window covering professionals for education, product discovery and industry connections. IWCE 2027 takes place March 14–16 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, with Education Day on March 14 and the exhibit hall open March 15–16. Learn more at iwce-vision.com.
