WheatonArts Hosts ‘A Garden Of Quilts’ Show

MILLVILLE – WheatonArts and Cultural Center, in conjunction with The Garden Patch Quilters, presents the biennial “A Garden of Quilts” Quilt Show on March 12 and 13. The event showcases over 150 traditional and contemporary quilts in the WheatonArts Event Center. Held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, this judged Quilt Show recognizes quality work and provides quilters with an evaluation of their work. Quilts, quilted items and garments are judged in the following categories: visual impact, color, design, quilting, workmanship and finishing of the piece. Visitors will be able to see a wide variety of quilt displays, specialty fabric and supplies merchants, quilting and embellishing demonstrations, and other unique quilt-related exhibits.

Quilting is a historically significant activity that has occurred around the world for many centuries. Not only has it been a way to create functional artworks that provide warmth, but it’s also a part of the heritage and traditions of many cultures. The event exhibit will showcase the creativity and high quality workmanship of quilters from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Quilt entries are still being accepted and all sizes and techniques are welcome. Entries can be entered to be judged or for display only. This show will include a Junior Division; children 16 years and under can enter this division.

Entries will be judged by Elizabeth Pauley, who began quilting in 1974. Pauley, a quilting teacher and certified judge, has taught at The Patch of Country in Chaddsford, Pa. and Springton Lake Middle School in Media, Pa.

New and old quilts, both traditional and non-traditional, and quilted garments will be appraised by Karen Dever, AQA Certified Appraiser and member of the Professional Association of Appraisers – Quilted Textiles (PAAQT). Appraisals will be in the Event Center each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appraisal fees are $30 for oral and $50 for written.

The 2016 raffle quilt, “Poppin’ Poppies” is queen-sized and is hand appliquéd and pieced by Guild members. Raffle tickets will be on sale for $1 each in the Event Center. The winning ticket will be drawn Sunday, March 13 during the show.

Admission is $5 per person. WheatonArts members receive free admission. Food and refreshments are available for purchase in the Event Center. Parking is free.

In March, the Museum of American Glass and the Artist Studios are closed. The Museum Stores are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., during this month. No ticket required. WheatonArts returns to its six-day operating schedule (Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) on April 1.

For more information about WheatonArts, call 1 (800) 998-4552 or (856) 825-6800, or visit www.wheatonarts.org.

For more information about the Garden Patch Quilters, call (856) 691-7362 or visit gardenpatchquiltguild.com.

WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Provide two weeks notice for additional needs. Patrons with hearing and speech disabilities may contact WheatonArts through the New Jersey Relay Service (TRS) at (800) 852-7899 or by dialing 711.

Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey Cultural Trust. WheatonArts receives general operating support from the New Jersey Historical Commission, Division of Cultural Affairs in the New Jersey Department of State, and is supported in part by the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.