For more than four decades, the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association (PVQA) has hosted its annual quilt show, which is a time for masters of the craft—and all skill levels in between—to show off their creations and, perhaps more importantly, to learn from each other.
This year’s event—titled “A Galaxy of Quilts”—is set for Feb. 24 and 25 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.
On a sunny day in late January, as heavy rains approached the county, member Anna Brenkowitz said she was excited for the chance to stay inside.
“It’s good quilting weather,” she says.
The PVQA, she says, tasks itself in part with keeping alive a time-honored tradition that is being left behind as most schools no longer teach home economics classes.
“We’re the ones carrying this forward,” she says.
PATCHWORK Karen Foster made this quilt through an online workshop.
PVQA member Lori Green agreed, and says that the craft has evolved beyond the sewing circle stereotype of yore to be more inclusive and accessible.
“This is not your grandmother’s patchwork anymore,” she says.
Guest lecturer Karen Foster says the quilt show is a time for people of all skill levels, and for those interested in getting involved in the craft.
“Whether you’re a quilter or not, it’s a wonderful opportunity to see creations by artists and makers in our area, regardless of experience or style preferences,” she says.
The show will feature 300 quilts from various artists, in addition to wearable art and several demonstrations. It will also include several bed-turning events, in which quilters use their work to tell stories behind it, turning each quilt as the pages of a book.
There will also be a live auction.
Green says the group has been around for more than a half-century, and has woven itself into the fabric of the community, donating quilts to the CZU fire victims, in addition to Hospice patients and nursing homes.
“We’re very community oriented,” she says.
While some quilts are meant to be hung on the wall as works of art, Foster says she makes many for friends and family for everyday use.
“I love it,” she says. “It fuels my creative passion. And there is something very enticing about having a concept in your mind and translating that into fabric and something tactile.”
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The annual Pajaro Valley Quilt Association quilt show is scheduled for Feb. 24 from 10am-5pm and Feb. 25 from 10am–4pm. Tickets are $15. For information, visit pvqa.org.
