Traditionally, needlepoint has been embroidery done on canvas, using wool to execute the tent stitch. While such embroideries are needlepoint, today’s needlepointer has available a much broader palette of stitches and techniques.

ANG defines needlepoint as "any counted or free stitchery worked by hand with a threaded needle on a readily countable ground." This progressive definition encourages creativity through a traditional and contemporary approach to needlepoint.

Perhaps the best way to explain this definition is by example and what better examples than the ribbon winners at some recent ANG Exhibits? The ANG exhibit is both a showcase and a source of inspiration by giving us examples of how others have interpreted their ideas with a needle. The wide range of materials and techniques available to today's needleworker allows for maximum individual expression. An exhibit will contain entries which inspire and excite the viewer. We also hope to encourage those less familiar with canvas embroidery to join us in our exploration of the medium.

Who better to guide us through the wonderful world of needlepoint than the teachers and judges of ANG?

• Ann Caswell shows us the highlights of the exhibits from 1991 to 1996.
• Carole Lake writes a needlepoint dictionary based on the 1997 exhibit.
• Michele Roberts gives us her personal observations of the ribbon winners from the 1998 exhibit.
• Gail Sirna shows us how needlepoint has matured since Grandmother's day with examples from the 1999 exhibit.
• Janet Mitchell Fishel shares with us her insights on the winners from the 2000 national exhibit
• Sandy Rodgers shows us some of her selections from among the 2001 national exhibit ribbon winners.
• Mary D. Shipp describes needlepoint as art and compares her selection of ribbon winners from the 2002 national exhibit.
• Anna-Marie Winter shows us how skilled stitchers depicted well-loved themes in 25 ribbon-winning pieces from the 2003 Exhibit.
• Marnie Ritter chose ribbon winners from the 2004 exhibit that include exquisite designs "from traditional techniques through contemporary art."
• Tony Minieri and Judy Souliotis spend an evening going through the 2005 Exhibit and we can listen in to their discussion and comments to each other
• Barbara Richardson enjoyed the Exhibit and selected the following pieces from Non-Professional Stitchers to highlight the 2006 Exhibit
• Jane Wood, from Chilly Hollow, took time from her busy stitching (and blogging) to come to Baltimore and share the thoughts on the 2007 Exhibit
• Penny Boswinkle from Atlanta Georgia and Southeastern Area Representative spent some of her time at Seminar to look for Art in the 2008 Exhibit
• Debbie Forney found what is it we love about needlepoint in Exhibit 2010
• Kay Stanis browsed through the Exhibit and found some beautiful designs in 2011

The community projects stitched by ANG members provide another view of the wonderful world of needlepoint.