National Quilt Museum Reaches Milestone, Proudly Announcing It Has Surpassed 500 Quilts in Its Collection

PADUCAH, Ky., June 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- When the National Quilt Museum (http://www.quiltmuseum.org) opened its doors in 1991, the collection comprised just 85 quilts on loan from the founders. Now in their 23^rd year of operation, that number has grown to an impressive 500+ pieces of incredible quilt and fiber art.

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The Museum, which works to advance the art of today's quilter by bringing it to everyone worldwide, has grown into a destination for quilters and art enthusiasts.  In a recent USA Today article on the museum, renowned fiber artist Ricky Tims described a sense of reverence upon entering the main gallery: "You feel as if you have walked into a cathedral and your hat should be off. You're absolutely in awe of the work that's exhibited there. The Museum has what may be the world's top quilt displays."

"One of the most frequent questions we field is, 'How do quilts enter the collection?'" remarked Frank Bennett, CEO of the National Quilt Museum. "It's actually a multi-step process. Quilters can submit their work for consideration at any time, and the museum receives thousands of quilts each year from around the world. A collections committee that includes some of the most respected names in quilting reviews every piece submitted. If the committee approves a quilt, it must then be considered by the National Quilt Museum Board of Directors." All styles of quilt are up for consideration. The Collection is made up of works of all styles and sizes. The only rule is that they all have to be made on or after 1980.

Outside of the usual approval process, there is only one other way to get into the collection.  The museum has an agreement with the American Quilter's Society as part of its annual Paducah QuiltWeek™ show and contest. The winners of the "purchase prizes" at Paducah QuiltWeek™ each year become part of the museum's collection and are featured in the gallery after the show.

"For a quiltmaker, the pinnacle honor is getting a quilt in the collection of The National Quilt Museum," said artist Carol Bryer Fallert-Gentry. Carol has several quilts in the museum's collection. The collection includes many of the most respected quilts from the last 34 years, including nine of "The 100 Best Quilts of the 20^th Century," and hundreds of quilts that have won national and international juried contests.

The National Quilt Museum's range of works effectively captures the diversity of today's quiltmakers. "While the works have all been made in the past few decades, the designs complete the spectrum from modern artistic designs to traditional wedding ring and log cabin patterns," commented Bennett.

About the National Quilt Museum

The Museum is the world's largest museum devoted to quilts and fiber art. A destination for art enthusiasts worldwide, annually the Museum welcomes visitors from all 50 U.S. states and over 40 foreign countries from all corners of the globe. The Museum's onsite and traveling exhibits are viewed by over 120,000 people per year. In addition, over 6,000 youth and adults participate in the Museum's educational opportunities on an annual basis.

The Museum is located in a 27,000-square-foot facility in historic downtown Paducah, Kentucky. The Museum's mission is to, "Advance the art of today's quilters and fiber artists by making it accessible to new and expanding audiences worldwide." As their CEO Frank Bennett often states, "These are some of the most talented artists in the world and I want everyone to experience their work first-hand." The National Quilt Museum is a two-time TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner. It is located in Historic Downtown Paducah Kentucky, which was recently recognized as a UNESCO Creative City.

Contact:

Amanda Ball, Marketing Director
National Quilt Museum
270-442-8856
http://www.quiltmuseum.org

SOURCE National Quilt Museum