News Releases

Please contact Susan K. Edwards, Director of Marketing for more information and photos. (270) 442-8856 x214

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2011

Winners From The Annual "New Quilts From An Old Favorite" Contest Announced
Winning Quilts On Exhibit at The National Quilt Museum April 6 - July 10, 2012 Paducah, KY

December 16, 2011 - The National Quilt Museum is pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 Basket-themed New Quilts from an Old Favorite contest. Annually, the Museum challenges today's quiltmakers to create original quilts based on a classic block pattern. This year's challenge was to create a quilt giving the Basket pattern an innovative twist. The 18 finalists and winning quilts will be on exhibit at The National Quilt Museum from April 6 through July 10, 2012. The exhibit will then travel to other venues through December 2013. An exclusive exhibit book featuring full-color photos will be published by the American Quilter's Society and available early next year.

Winners:
Book Plate I by Karen Grover of Rockford, IL took top honors, winning 1st place. Designed in the manner of a bookplate, this quilt abounds in the sensuous curves of the Art Nouveau period. Leona Harden of New Tazewell, TN created Basket Case which was awarded 2nd place. Filled with golden machine quilting, her quilt features Star blocks created from Basket sections. The 3rd place winner is Basket Weaver by Michael Michalski of Brooklyn, NY, and is constructed of woven cloth bands, resulting in an openwork lattice. Fourth place was awarded to Sycamore Bark Baskets by Marilyn R. Smith of Columbia, MO; four interlocking baskets make up the center motif of this quilt. Baskets blossom into full blooms in the 5th place quilt, Basket Case Flowers by Ann L. Petersen of Aurora, CO. "Each year I'm awed by the creativity of the artists," exclaimed Judy Schwender, Curator/Registrar for the Museum. "It's fascinating to see how each contestant interprets the classic design in imaginative ways." Support for the contest is provided by MODA Fabrics, Janome America, Incorporated and Clover Needlecraft, Inc.

Finalist's quilts that will be featured in the exhibit include:

Fibonacci Nebula, by Patricia Hobbs, Macomb, IL
Spinning Baskets, by Theresea Reeves, Oberlin, KS
Basket Arrangements, by Ann Horton, Redwood Valley, CA
Handle With Care, by Jan, Soules Elk Grove, CA
Baskets, Butterflies, and Blossoms, by Tish Rudd, Cadiz, KY
Sewing Baskets Inside Out, by Kathy Parker, Hudson, FL
Hopi Maiden, by Karen Watts, Mayhill, NM
Pharoah's Tombs, by Julia Graber, Brooksville,
MS Basket Weave, by Ann Feitelson and Ronna Erickson, Montague, MA
Basket Weaving, by Mary Kay Price, Lake Oswego, OR
Basketek, by Nancy, Lambert Pittsburgh, PA
Spice Market, by Sherri Bain Northglenn, CO
Basket Case, by Sue Turnquist Tifton, GA

Additional photos of the contest winning quilts is available. Contact Susan Edwards at (270) 442-8856.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2011

Quilt Journeys: Three Quilters Exhibition Opens at The National Quilt Museum
Exhibit Explores the Journey of Three Highly Respected Fiber Artists: Doreen Speckmann, Diane Gaudynski and Dorris McManis

PADUCAH, KY, December 2, 2011 - The National Quilt Museum is pleased to announce the opening of its new exhibit, Quilt Journeys: Three Quilters on December 9, 2011. The exhibit follows the artistic journey of three internationally recognized fiber artists: Doreen Speckmann, Diane Gaudynski, and Dorris McManis. Speckman was one of the first artists to reach celebrity status in the quilt world. Gaudynski is one of the most respected and admired machine quilters in the world. McManis, having worked in quilting for decades, is most well known for having created one 12" quilt every week for an entire year. This exhibit runs through March 13, 2012. "Like most journeys, it isn't the destination that is the story, it is the process of getting there and how they find their 'voice' during their journey that's interesting," said Judy Schwender, curator/registrar for The National Quilt Museum. The Quilt Journeys: Three Quilters exhibit was inspired by Journey Stories, a touring exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution's Museum on Main Street program. Murray State will host the Smithsonian exhibit in cooperation with the Kentucky Humanities Council. That exhibit can be seen January 28 to March 10, 2012 at Murray State. The National Quilt Museum exhibit was funded with a grant from the Murray State University Office of Regional Outreach.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2011

Museum Expands Annual Holiday Tradition
Visitors to create "Quilted Cookies" and hear stories from Mrs. Claus

PADUCAH, KY NOVEMBER 18, 2011 - The National Quilt Museum is adding "Story Time with Mrs. Claus" to their annual holiday tradition of decorating pre-baked sugar cookies with quilt designs. Adults and youth alike are invited to enjoy the holiday festivities Saturday, December 10th between noon and 2:00 p.m. Participants will create their "Quilted Cookies" with colorful icing and candy embellishments. Cookies, icing and embellishments are provided, while supplies last. Mrs. Claus, who is taking a pause from her North Pole duties, will be in the lobby reading holiday stories. Bring your camera for photographs. No reservation is needed.

Becky Glasby, Director of Education, and volunteers will help participants with quilt-related designs. "It's always fun when you get to 'eat' your project," Glasby said. "This year we are thrilled Mrs. Claus has taken time out of her busy schedule to join us for story time!"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2011

The Old and the New at The National Quilt Museum
Two Exhibits: One Showcases Antique Quilts and the other21st Century Quilts

PADUCAH, KY, OCTOBER 6, 2011 – The National Quilt Museum is pleased to announce the opening of two new exhibits,. Quilting Reinvented: Longarm Quilters of the 21st Century and antique quilts in A Sense of Balance. The longarm quilts will be on exhibit October 7, 2011 through January 13, 2012 and features the work of top practitioners Marilyn Badger, Rene Haddadin, Richard Larson, Linda McCuean, Sharon Schamber and Linda Taylor. These contemporary fiber artists use the longarm quilting machine, which has revolutionized the art of quiltmaking. A Sense of Balance explores how quiltmakers of the past balanced form, color, and line in their quilts, whether consciously or unconsciously. This exhibit is curated by Gerald Roy and features quilts from the Pilgrim/Roy Collection. It is on exhibit through December 6th.
"I love having these two exhibits in the Museum at the same time," said Judy Schwender, Curator/Registrar for the Museum. "In one gallery, visitors can see antique quilts from the mid-19th century and in the other gallery see quilts using cutting edge methods of the 21st century! It is intriguing to see the two exhibits side-by-side."

NEW LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCED AT THE NATIONAL QUILT MUSEUM

Board Taps Nationally Acclaimed Business Writer and Consultant Frank Bennett as New Executive Director

PADUCAH, KY June 22, 2011 — The National Quilt Museum announced today that acclaimed business writer and consultant Frank Bennett has joined the Museum as the new Executive Director. Bennett, most recently from Dallas, Texas, is best known for writing the business leadership book, The Breathing Organization. He has also lectured and conducted marketing and management workshops at over one hundred for profit, non-profit and scholastic organizations nationwide including the University of North Florida, Harvard University, Nuvox Communications and Microsoft Corporation.

"Through its extraordinary exhibitions, educational programs and commitment to advancing the art of Quilting, The National Quilt Museum touches hundreds of thousands of people every year. I am honored to be involved with such an important and relevant organization," Bennett stated earlier this week.

"For our first 20 years, the Museum has been a 'Mecca' for the quilting world," said Ann Hazelwood, President of the Museum's Board of Directors. Having a national figure the caliber of Frank Bennett join the Museum speaks to our commitment to continue to lead the way for the art of quiltmaking and quilting for future generations."

The Museum will hold an open house between 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. to meet and greet the new director Thursday, June 30. A formal press conference will begin at 5:00 p.m. in the lobby to formally introduce the new Executive Director. Everyone is invited to attend.

6th ANNUAL KIDZ DAY IN THE ARTS – COMMUNITY DAY
Free Arts & Crafts Plus Free Admission into Museum

PADUCAH, KY AUGUST 19, 2011 — The National Quilt Museum is conducting its 6th annual "Kidz Day in the Arts" on Saturday, August 27th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It's also "Community Day," the one day of the year everyone is offered free admission into the museum's galleries. Many activities reflect this year's theme, "Happy 20th Birthday to The National Quilt Museum!" All activities and crafts are free. Enjoy free ice cream from Paducah Bank's WOW Ice Cream Truck. You are invited to bring your picnic lunch and enjoy it on the Museum's lawn. Pepsi MidAmerica is providing free drinks and water. The inflatable games are back and you can meet our local Super Hero, Quilt Man, 10:30 to noon. New this year, Blowing up Smiles – Balloon Animals & More, SuSu the Living Quilt Mime and Quilt Science activities by Jason Lindsey of Hooked on Science. Join Library Lady, Retta Folsom and her Puppets for storytelling at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. For a complete schedule of activities, go to www.QuiltMuseum.org/Kidz.

THE NATIONAL QUILT MUSEUM TO PARTICIPATE IN BLUE STAR MUSEUMS

The National Quilt Museum is one of more than 1,300 museums to offer free admission
to active military personnel and their families this summer

PADUCAH, KY MAY 26, 2011 —The National Quilt Museum announced they will participate in “Blue Star Museums,” a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 1,300 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2011. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

“The National Quilt Museum joins the rest of the country in thanking our military personnel and their families for their service and sacrifice,” said Director of The National Quilt Museum, May Louise Zumwalt. “We are a National treasure in a local setting and we encourage everyone to visit.”

TORAH QUILT DISPLAY AND LECTURE FREE AT THE NATIONAL QUILT MUSEUM

PADUCAH, KY, May 24, 2011 – The National Quilt Museum is hosting a Torah Quilt Display entitled, “Sacred Patterns: Quilted Meditations on the 54 Torah Portions,” The First Five Books of the Hebrew Bible. The quilts were made by Deborah Hagen from Austin, Texas, and will be on display June 3, 2011 through Mid August 2011. Hagen will hold a one hour lecture at the Museum explaining her work at 2 p.m. both Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5. The exhibit and lecture series are free in the Museum Gallery Hall thanks to its sponsors: Temple Israel and Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church. The quilts are on loan from the Agudas Achim Congregation in Austin, TX.

“This exceptional display at The National Quilt Museum, explores the depth and wonder of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) through the art of quilting,” said Gregory Waldrop, Pastor at the Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church in Paducah, Kentucky. “Each of the five quilts tells important stories from the book it represents.” Due to the inspirational nature of these quilts, this free display makes a perfect outing for any faith-based group. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more wishing to see the main gallery quilt exhibit.

2 New Exhibits Open: “New Quilts From an Old Favorite 2011: Orange Peel” and “The Color Orange: Antique Quilts from the Pilgrim Roy Collection”
On exhibit at The National Quilt Museum March 10 - June 5, 2011

PADUCAH, KY, MARCH 11, 2011 – The National Quilt Museum announced it has opened two new exhibits: “New Quilts From an Old Favorite 2011: Orange Peel” and “The Color Orange: Antique Quilts from the Pilgrim Roy Collection.” Both exhibits will run March 10 through June 5, 2011. The exhibit of winning quilts from this year’s annual New Quilts from an Old Favorite (NQOF) contest opens at the museum, and then travels to venues around the country for two years. Thousands of quilt lovers have enjoyed these traveling exhibits at museums around the country. A book featuring full-color photos of the finalists and award winning quilts, biographical information about each quilter, and tips, techniques, and patterns, is produced by the American Quilter’s Society.

The other exhibit, “The Color Orange: Antique Quilts from the Pilgrim Roy Collection” features cheddar and chrome orange electrified quilts from the 19th and early 20th centuries. See how quiltmakers of the past used these colors in their quilts. This exhibit is curated by Gerald Roy.

THE NATIONAL QUILT MUSEUM OPENS TWO NEW EXHIBITS:
QUILTS FROM THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN WEST & SCHOOL BLOCK CHALLENGE

PADUCAH, KY FEBRURY 25, 2011 — The National Quilt Museum announced the opening of two new exhibits, “Quilts of the Rocky Mountain West” and the “School Block Challenge.” Both exhibits will run February 25 to April 4, 2011.
Last year The National Quilt Museum invited members of quilt guilds in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming to submit quilts that represent their best work for a special juried exhibit titled “Quilts of the Rocky Mountain West.” “This exhibit highlights the work of quiltmakers who are the mainstream of quiltmaking today,” said Judy Schwender, Curator/Registrar for the Museum. This exhibit is sponsored by AT&T Yellow Pages.

Also opening today is the exhibit that includes all the entries of the “School Block Challenge,” an annual contest for youth. Participating schools, home school and youth groups are given packets with three fabrics from the contest’s sponsor, MODA Fabrics. Students are then required to incorporate all three fabrics in their block. A reception and awards ceremony will be held Saturday, March 5th from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. All students will receive certificates and participation ribbons. Winners and honorable mentions will also receive their award checks. The reception is open to the participants of School Block Challenge and their friends and families.

Winners from the “2011 School Block Challenge” Contest Announced
On exhibit at The National Quilt Museum February 25 – April 4, 2011
A kick-off reception for the exhibit is March 5, 2011 from 1 – 3 p.m.

Paducah, KY January 17, 2011– The National Quilt Museum is pleased to announce the winners from the 2011 School Block Challenge. The annual contest is a national competition open to students in grades pre-K – 12 and is sponsored by the National Quilt Museum and MODA Fabrics. This years’ challenge attracted 129 submissions from 41 schools in 16 states across the country. All quilt blocks will be on exhibit from February 25 – April 4 at the National Quilt Museum with a narrative written by the students about their block’s design. Winning blocks will be on display in the lobby until August.

Winners and all participants will be recognized at a reception and awards ceremony on Saturday, March 5 from 1 – 3 p.m. Local residents and media are invited to attend to meet these amazing young quilters and learn more about the annual School Block Challenge.

Sponsored by MODA Fabrics, this year’s blocks were constructed by individual students and by small groups. Participants were given packets with three fabrics from MODA Fabrics, and students were required to use a piece of all three in their blocks. Quilters from the children’s community often assist the students as their projects develop. The blocks are judged in categories of K - 4th grades, 5th - 8th grades and 9th - 12th grades. A grand prize award is also given to the overall outstanding quilt block.

This year’s grand prize winner is: “Citrus,” by Cassie Hanners and Theresa Rudder from Todd County Central High School, Elkton, KY. Their block was entered in the 9th-12th category.
First place winner in the Pre-K – 4th Grade category is “A Day Fit for Soaring High” by Lillian Prybil of Lone Tree Elementary, Iowa City, IA.
First place winner in the 5th – 8th Grade category is “Nature’s Window,” by Janelle Price, Home Schooled in Carbondale, IL.
First place winner in the 9th – 12th Grade category is Flowers, by Erika Will of Elverado High School, Elkville, IL.

Winners from the “New Quilts From an Old Favorite” Contest Announced
On exhibit at The National Quilt Museum March 10 - June 5, 2011
Traveling as an exhibit to other venues through December 2012

Paducah, KY January 7, 2011 – The National Quilt Museum is pleased to announce the 18 winning quilts of the 2011 Orange Peel-themed New Quilts from an Old Favorite annual contest. These innovative quilts represent quilters from 14 U.S. states and Canada. The Museum challenged today’s quiltmakers to create original quilts based on the classic Orange Peel block pattern. The Museum will exhibit the 18 finalists and winning quilts March 10 through June 5, 2011. The exhibit will then travel to other venues through December 2012.

“These are not your grandmother’s quilts!” exclaimed Judy Schwender, Curator and Registrar for the Museum. “Contestants interpreted the Orange Peel design in imaginative ways, providing a wonderful look at the skills, techniques and creativity of today's quiltmakers.” Support for the contest is provided by MODA Fabrics, Janome America, Incorporated and Clover Needlecraft Inc.

A book featuring full-color photos of the 18 finalists and their award winning quilts, biographical information about each quilter in addition to tips, techniques and patterns will be published by the American Quilter’s Society. A book signing by the quilters will be held at the Museum on Friday, April 29, from 10 a.m.-noon.

Quilters wishing to enter the 2012 contest, “New Quilts from an Old Favorite: Baskets,” can request an entry form by sending an SASE to NQM, PO Box 1540, Paducah, KY 42002-1540 or visiting the museum’s website at www.quiltmuseum.org. Jacob’s Ladder is the theme for 2013.

Orange Peel Contest Winners:
First place was awarded to Orange Blossom Special by Robin Gausebeck.
Second place was awarded to Sandia Sunset by Sherri Bain Driver of Northglenn, CO.
Third place was awarded to Tangerine Dream by Karen Watts of Houston, TX.
Fourth place was awarded to Oranges by Nancy Eisenhauer of Belleville, IL.
Fifth place was awarded to Cosmic Plum by Michael Michalski of Brooklyn, NY.

Other quilts which will be featured in the exhibit include:

Stained Glass Appeal by Mae Adkins of Casa Grande, AZ
Curve-A-Peel by Elaine Braun of Paducah, KY
Hola Mola by Diane Evans of Forest Ranch, CA
Leaf Cycle by Ann Feitelson and Ronna Erickson of Montague and Amherst, MA
Oh, The Web We Weave by Peggy Fetterhoff of The Woodlands, TX
Full Circle by Linda Forey of Montreal, QC, Canada
Ezekiel Saw the Wheel by Julia Graber of Brooksville, MS
Under A Peel: Don't Judge a Quilt by its Cover by Amy Krasnansky of Baltimore, MD
Color Splash by Ree Moffitt and Sheliah Crum of Palmer, AK
Juicy Fruit by Claudia Clark Myers and Marilyn Badger of Duluth, MN and St. George, UT
Fleur de Lis by Geri Parker and Kathy McNeil of Tulalip and Mt Vernon, WA
Shanghai Lights by Deborah Spofford of Vancouver, WA
Star A-Peel by Mary Sue Suit and Judy Woodworth of Sidney, NE

THE NATIONAL QUILT MUSEUM HONORS PADUCAH’S RIVER FRONT WITH EXHIBIT
“River Quilts featuring The Everchanging River” opens at The National Quilt Museum

PADUCAH, KY DECEMBER 9, 2010 — The National Quilt Museum honors Paducah’s river front with their new exhibit, River quilts featuring The Everchanging River. “As a river town, Paducah, Kentucky, is planning many changes to its riverfront and we wanted to honor those changes with this exhibit.” Said Judy Schwender, Curator and Registrar for The National Quilt Museum. “More than 30 quilters were asked the question, what is a river? They were then given a piece of river fabric along with the entrance and exit points. All their quilts are hung side by side to create a 49 foot river.” Twenty-two additional river-themed quilts by noted quilt artists, round out the exhibit. The exhibit runs December 9, 2010 through March 7, 2011. This exhibit is sponsored by AT&T, The Real Yellow Pages.

CONTEMPORARY BRODERIE PERSE OPENS AT THE NATIONAL QUILT MUSEUM
New Exhibit Exemplifies the Art of Fine Quilting

PADUCAH, KY NOVEMBER 22, 2010 — The National Quilt Museum opened the newest exhibit, “Contemporary Broderie Perse,” Friday. The exhibit runs November 19th through February 15, 2011. “This is an exhibit not to be missed,” said Judy Schwender, Curator and Registrar for The National Quilt Museum. “It represents an incredible level of workmanship. It is very rich visually, and a delight for the eye and the soul!”

Broderie Perse, or cut-out chintz appliqué, is a technique combining collage, fine appliqué, and fine quilting. Broderie Perse presents a high point in the art of quilting and deserves the admiration and attention of all who appreciate fine needlework. This new exhibit is an extraordinary collection of quilts exemplifying contemporary Broderie Perse.

THE NATIONAL QUILT MUSEUM HONORS VETERANS WITH FREE ADMISSION
Veterans Get In Free Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11th

PADUCAH, KY OCTOBER 29, 2010 — The National Quilt Museum continues their annual tradition of honoring our nation’s veterans and active military with free admission for them on Veteran’s Day, November 11th.
“It’s because of the brave men and women in our military that we enjoy the freedoms we have,” said May Louise Zumwalt, Executive Director, NQM. “We thank them, and honor them with free admission on Veterans Day, November 11th.

The National Park Service Explores Expanding the Lewis & Clark Trail
LEWIS & CLARK LEGACY MEETING AT THE NATIONAL QUILT MUSEUM

PADUCAH, KY OCTOBER 26, 2010 - The National Quilt Museum is hosting The National Park Service's public meeting Monday, November 1, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The Service has been directed by Congress to assess the possibility of extending the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to incorporate "Eastern Legacy" sites within Paducah and the surrounding community. They are holding public meetings to announce this study and gather input from interested members of the public regarding future opportunities for this potential National Trail extension.

"The museum is a perfect location for this meeting. We are actively involved in the Lewis and Clark history of the area," May Louise Zumwalt, Executive Director of The National Quilt Museum said. "We have a Lewis & Clark highway marker and statues on our lawn. We also have a Lewis & Clark quilt in our museum collection which will be on exhibit in our gallery at the time of the meeting. Additionally, we offer hands-on activities and materials related to the Lewis & Clark expedition to school groups visiting the museum."