Vermont Quilt Festival

Antique Quilt Exhibit: Hard Times Fine Quilts

Curated by Richard Cleveland and Donna Bister

Sponsored by Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine

and Yankee Pride Quilts, Essex Jct, VT

Although the 1930s ushered in hard times, the country’s quiltmakers produced some wonderful quilts. Using materials at hand, the quiltmakers represented in this exhibit gave us a range of color and design that may surprise today’s viewers. The familiar designs are there, but so are other, less-common patterns that will delight and inspire you.

More than 50 of the approximately 70 exhibit quilts are from a private Massachusetts collection; the rest are from other New England owners. Because many show goers can remember the ‘30s and ‘40s, and because there’s so much interest in quilts of this era, we think you’ll find this exhibit enjoyable.

The Legacy of Florence Peto

Take a glimpse into the life of quilt historian and Quilter's Hall of Fame inductee, Florence Peto, through this enchanting display of eight of her handmade quilts. Florence enjoyed incorporating her collection of antique fabrics into her quilts, thereby taking the viewer on a journey through 19th century textiles. Peto's quilt style is quite distinctive-- sometimes whimsical, sometimes formal, but always intriguing. Enjoy seeing quilts that have not been exhibited together in 25 years, including a larger version of her famous Calico Garden (the original is owned by Shelburne Museum). Through her work, see the story of this prolific needle worker who was so instrumental in the resurgence of quilting in the mid-1900’s.

For the Love of Fabric: An Ann Bird Quilt Retrospective

Sponsored by Andover Fabrics

This exhibit of 25 quilts by noted Canadian quilter, Ann Bird will reflect her development as a quiltmaker. The quilts will span her career as a quilt artist and teacher, and include a selection of recent star wallhangings. Viewers will see the recurrence of major forms, such as stars, and northern imagery like caribou and the Northern Lights. They will also feel her passion for colors and patterns and smile as she occasionally delves into the wild and whimsical. The predominant characteristic of her work is the range of design and image inspired by her love of fabric.

Fabled Fibers: Art Quilt Enchantments

Step back into the carefree days of childhood with fifty members of the quilt art community who have relived their childhood fantasies to offer you a visual feast of their favorite stories. Their 50 small quilts illustrate fairy tales, folk stories, fables and some original stories by the artists. Each quilt is an individual work of art, using a variety of fiber arts techniques and embellishments. Proceeds from the exhibit and items available for purchase will benefit Operation Kid Comfort, a nationally recognized, award-winning program that provides photo-transfer comfort quilts and pillows to the children of deployed service men and women.

Barbara Olson: Wild Child

Sponsored by Silver Thimble, Springfield, NH

Enjoy a collection of quilts by this award-winning quilt artist, teacher, lecturer, and author. Barbara’s quilts have appeared in many publications and exhibits worldwide, and one of her art quilts, In The Beginning, was named one of the Best 100 American Quilts of the 20thCentury. Many of her art quilts are included in private and corporate collections across the country.

A Class Act

Sponsored by Country Treasures, Chester, VT

At each Festival, there is always excitement over which teachers are coming the next year. All you will have to do is look overhead in the lobby of the Miller Centre and you will soon be making notes about the classes you’ll need to take! Ten of our award-winning teachers for 2009 have generously offered to lend us their work to display. Which ones? We wouldn’t want to ruin the suspense, so you’ll just have to wait until June to find out!!

2008 VQF Faculty Showcase

Enjoy and draw inspiration from this eclectic display of works provided by our talented teaching staff. You’ll sample a wide variety of styles and techniques as you take in the work of some of the best quilt artists the quilting world has to its credit.

Variety is the Spice of Life

Quiet Valley Quilt Guild, Bennington Vermont

Each year VQF invites a Vermont guild to display the artistry of its members. This year the Quiet Valley Quilt (QVQ) Guild, will share its talents and treasures. QVQ was formed in 1984 to promote and develop an appreciation of the art of quilting, and to educate members through workshops and programs. Today, the Guild has approximately 100 members (from 9 years old to 86 years young) who meet monthly in Bennington, VT. QVQ draws its members from VT, NY, and MA.

2008 VQF Quilt Contest

Our 30^th annual quilt contest will offer a dazzlingly diverse display by quilters of all ages and skill levels. Enjoy quilts from all over the U. S. and some foreign countries, quilts that use color and diverse techniques in creative ways. Let our award winners inspire you, and then choose your favorite quilt as you vote for the Viewer’s Choice Award. All contest quilts are new works, completed after March 15, 2007.