International Quilt Festival celebrates 45-year milestone
The International Quilt Festival will mark its 45th anniversary this year with a “Sapphire Celebration” exhibit featuring hundreds of blue and white quilts — both new and antique — suspended from the ceiling of the George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas. The festival is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 31, to Sunday, Nov. 3. Classes begin Oct. 28, with preview night on Oct. 30.
“Sapphire is the chosen gem to celebrate 45th anniversaries, and this exhibit will make jaws drop,” said Bob Ruggiero, vice president of communications for Quilts Inc.
Throughout the course of the festival, more than 1,600 quilts will be on display, with many depicting landscapes, endangered species, as well as comic book and
sci-fi heroes and villains. Quilts will also pay tribute to the women pioneers of the West, and others will shed light on human rights and social issues.
The “Quilts: A World of Beauty” exhibit will feature winners and finalists from the 2019 judged show of the International Quilt Association, where artists from around the world send their best work to compete. See a complete list of exhibits at www.quilts.com/houston-special-exhibits.html.
Visitors can shop at nearly 1,000 booths, and the festival offers about 525 lectures and quilting classes for all skill levels and techniques. Advanced online registration is recommended, as many sell out before the festival begins.
Those who attend for the first time are in awe of just the sheer size and scope of event, said Ruggiero.
“While people might have an idea that quilting is tied to the past, it is very much a current, thriving, and contemporary art form,” he said. “Most quilts today are meant to be hung on walls, not slept under.”
Daily admission to the International Quilt Festival is $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, students and military. There is no cost for children 10 and younger. Cost for preview night is $20 (includes one additional free day). For more information, including group pricing, show hours, exhibits and classes, go to www.quilts.com or call 713-781-6864.