By Lori Rhode
2022 Quilt Show Chairperson
Come see the showstoppers! These are the beauties hung at the GAAQG in-person quilt show that make viewers stop and stare. Two stunning showstopper quilts are featured in prime spots of our upcoming biennial Celebrate the Quilt Show on July 30 – 31. More than 200 quilt entries are arranged throughout the show that demonstrate an abundance of creativity and self-expression.
Arranging the quilts for this show was challenging since participation is high and many members entered three quilts. This quilt show includes bed quilts, traditional to shows, but there are more entries that are lap or wall-size art quilts that may reflect a trend of “smaller quilts are faster to finish.”
Several of the quilts entered were influenced by circumstances created by COVID-19 lockdowns. Members resorted to using fabric in their stashes or returned to long unfinished projects or focused on the creation of a quilt as a distraction during uncertain days of the pandemic. Quilt Show attendees can view the “How Did Sunbonnet Sue Survive the Pandemic?” quilt on display during the show.
Entries include quilts made during the GAAQG Aviatrix Quilt Along 2021 and quilts made because of online classes that members took. There are quilts that are collaborations of multiple members.
In past shows the SafeHouse Center quilts lined hallways along the Morris Lawrence’s auditorium hallways. For this show the SafeHouse quilts will be featured in their own room.
The show’s special exhibits will feature two quilt challenges, “Treasure Hunt” and “Inspired,” by Paradigm quilt makers and “Batik Half and Half Again” challenge by GAAQG’s own Creative Seasons small group.
Eighteen vendors, ranging from shops familiar to our members to shops that are farther afield in Michigan, will offer fabric and other treats. Items from our vendors will be awarded as door prizes throughout the show!