Express

Quilters
Grand Rapids
has a wonderful
cultural society
in perfectly,” said American
Quilter’s Society’s (AQS)
Executive Show Director,
Bonnie Browning. “It’s a very
creative community.”
Painters Challenge exhibition. This challenge began in
2013 and assigned a world-famous painter to quilters
in Japan, France and the United States. According to
AQS’s website, “This exhibit is designed to compare
the techniques and styles between the nations in
representing the work of each famous painter.”
ome August 10, DeVos Place will be
swarming with quilt lovers as far as the eye
can see. Over 15,000 visitors are expected
to pass through the Convention Center over
the course of three days to view over 150 vendors
and entries.
“Grand Rapids has a wonderful cultural
perfectly,” said American Quilter’s
Society’s (AQS) Executive Show
very creative community.”
The classic image of Grandma’s handmade
quilt is far from an accurate representation
of the artwork that will be on display. Sure,
some classic, hand-sewn quilts will be
on display, but there are multiple special
exhibits that will blow any preconceived
notion of quilts you may have right out the
DeVos Place door.
In honor of the upcoming presidential
election, one of those exhibits is the
“Presidential & Patriotic Quilts” which
will feature quilts ranging from President
George Washington’s inauguration to
56
have also incorporated presidential and patriotic
memorabilia into these pieces of American history.
Although this event is brought to life through the
American Quilter’s Society, multiple countries have
also contributed quilts, which can be seen in the World
Perhaps the most exciting exhibit making its debut in
Grand Rapids is the Cherrywood Challenge 2016: The
Lion King. “It’s going to be a spectacular exhibit,”
the contestants are responsible for making quilts that
are “inspired by the stunning artistry, vibrant colors,
to AQS’s website. A select number of quilts from the
display will be shown at the Minskoff Theatre on
Lion King.
opportunities for the quilt-fanatic. “The exhibits are
amazing and they’re beautiful, but that’s not all we
workshops that will help people connect and grow
as quilters.”
Most of these workshops require sign-up ahead of
time, and many are already sold out. To peruse the
remaining workshops, visit www.quiltweek.com/
home/workshops/grand-rapids-workshops.
place.” Explore this unique form of artistry on August
10-13 at DeVos Place Convention Center.
Women’s LifeStyle Magazine • August 2016