Before the dust had even settled from the 2012 show, VQF's Board and staff were hard at work planning the 2013 Festival — our 37th since our founding in Northfield. As always, we've rustled up some exceptional quilts, old and new, that cover the range from traditional to modern. We have confirmed several exhibits, starting with Lobby Lights. Susan Damone Balch, long-time friend of the Festival, teacher (AND fly fishing instructor), will offer a restrospective exhibit of her work. You'll find four exhibits in Miller North, commencing with the SewBatik Challenge's 2013 theme, "Summer Solstice." In the front of the hall, see an outstanding display of antique quilts from a private New York collection. Richard and Debra Grana's passion for odd and unusual as well as for beautiful quilts comes through in the 62 exceptional pieces in this exhibit. "Life's Work" is the Festival's tribute to the outstanding quilt artist, Jo Diggs, with 50 quilts on display. The final exhibit in Miller North is a group of 30 quilts assembled by Brenda Papdakis, author of Dear Jane, the best seller about Jane Stickle's astounding 1863 quilt, which can be found in Vermont's Bennington Museum. Added to this exciting cross section are the new quilts in our judged show, a sampling of the best work by quilters from the United States, Canada, and beyond, as well as quilts by our instructors.

Our 2013 faculty will cover a broad range of topics in three and one-half days of instruction. Classes offer a wide assortment of techniques from the most traditional to most non-traditional. Some classrooms will be supplied with machines generously supplied by the major machine companies. And vendors from across the country will be on hand to provide great shopping. 

Sampling the Silk Road
by
Christine Wickert