It’s been over five years since my quilt guild, The Southern Comforters of Maryland, held a two-day full-out quilt show. This means we showcased close to 200 quilts, had vendors, a featured quilter, a raffle quilt, an “Out of the Attic,” which was basically a thrift store set up of fabric and notions no longer wanted/needed by our membership, and a whole lot of interest and inspiration dripping off every quilt hanging in the show. As a group, we certainly miss our quilt show, aptly named “The Best Little Quilt Show in Maryland.” We may have a small membership, but we are mighty and prolific and know how to put on a show to please almost everyone! That is saying something.
However, there are still places we can show our work, several of which I’ve mentioned here in my blog over the past couple of years. Our latest entries were at the end of January for the show held at the United States District Courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland, for 23 years. One of the founding judges was a patron of the arts (he passed away at the beginning of this year). He loved when various artists could show their work in the large atrium of the building on at least three levels.
From the Court’s website, a bit of history:
Art Exhibits
Since its inception in 1996, the U.S. District Court’s art program at the Greenbelt Courthouse has contributed greatly to our region’s cultural environment. The original purpose of the program was to feature works by Maryland artists, but over the years it has expanded to include international art. With exhibits in quilting, photography, sculpture, and painting, the program continues to call attention to the diverse interests and creative talents of local artists and the importance of their contributions to society. The Greenbelt courthouse hosts four shows a year, with exhibits rotated every three months.
Ten quilts from our guild were registered to exhibit on the first day it opened. Quilts came from all over Maryland (and even Virginia). I have just one hanging in this show, “A Touch of Turquoise.”
Last night, the artists and their families attended a reception. It is always a lovely event, and it is catered, too.
Many stories and inspiration were radiating off the walls, with many beautiful quilts! There were also a few art quilts. I was in good company with fantastic talent from two states.
bSolielle!
Terri
Photos below: L-R: 1) SoCo Guild members with Janet Frietag's Quilt- me, Janet, Jean Dwyer, Susie Stevenson, Joan Kuzcka, Pat Scully, Rolinda Schamel, and Barbara D., 2) Black&White and Red All Over by Pat Scully, A Touch of Turquoise on the second floor and easily seen from the entrance, 4) Jean and her quilt, 5) Joan with her quilt, and 6) The building atrium.
