The Gilmer Arts Gallery is currently hosting its 2020 annual quilt show at 207 Dalton Street, Ellijay Georgia. The show opened on December 3rd and runs through January 5th. The show is sponsored by Gilmer Arts and Vector Quilts and Sewing Center. The show is open to the public and admission is free.

The history of quilts began long ago before European settlers arrived in the New World. People in nearly every part of the world have been using cloth and padding for clothing and bedding. With the arrival of the English and Dutch settlers in North America, quilting took on a life of its own. It has long been a past time of familial expression from flour and feed sack quilts to more modern versions that are elaborately made. There is no denying that a beautifully made quilt is a work of art. How better to celebrate this past time than to host a quilt show here in the Gilmer County area.

There are 28 entries in the exhibition. Each entry selected for the show possesses unique qualities indicative of each artist. David Gilleland, a long time patron of the Arts had the distinct privilege of judging this year’s Gilmer Arts 2020 Quilt Show. Judging occurred on the opening day of the show. According to Pam Burns,  Gallery Manager “Pieces were judged by a specific criteria.” Among the winners were:

1st Place “Mi Amore” by Judy Kruger, 2nd Place “Identity” by Lynn Ann Rinehart, and 3rd Place “Flamboyance in the time of Corona” by Linda Daughtry.

The quilt show entries all have one thing in common. They are all different. Some of the pieces are small and some are large. Most of the quilts represented in the show are considered special heirloom quilts. This show is definitely worth taking the time to stop by and see what our local artists are capable of.