Intricate quilts in traditional and modern designs, all made by Arkansas women, had their debut Aug. 8 at the opening reception of the third Great Arkansas Quilt Show at the Historic Arkansas Museum.
Swanee Bennett, deputy director of the museum, noted that the juried exhibition was to encourage and promote quilting and textile arts in Arkansas. Giving a little background on the long quilting tradition in Arkansas, he said that even as late as the 1960s in the rural areas of the Arkansas Ozarks, the most common leisure pastime for at least eight out of 10 women was quilting.
Quilting has never stopped being popular, he said. "It is the strongest artisan tradition left in the U.S."
More than 30 quilts are in the exhibit.
Executive director Bill Worthen presented awards to the artists in several categories. Wilma Richter received a best machine quilting award and a purchase award for her quilt Winter Sky. Best in Show went to Jaynette Huff for her quilt Irish Knots and Golden Coins. Both quilts will become part of the museum's collection.
Besides the quilted works of art, guests enjoyed snacks and drinks, live music and a silent auction. They also voted on their favorite quilt. Winning the Viewers' Choice Award was the quilt Chinoiserie by Pamela Davis.
The quilts will be on display through May 3.
High Profile on 08/17/2014