Aiken Welcomes Creativity: Carolina Pine Quilters’ 44th Annual Show
As the vibrant colors of fall envelop Aiken, the city buzzes with excitement over the Carolina Pine Quilters’ 44th annual quilt show. From October 22 to November 15, the Aiken County Historical Museum becomes a cozy haven for quilting enthusiasts and visitors alike, showcasing an impressive collection of stunning quilts and quilted projects.
A Quilting Community’s Resilience
Despite facing unexpected challenges, including the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, the quilters persevered in creating a delightful exhibition. The storm caused power outages and uprooted trees around the museum, but the quilters adapted brilliantly. With natural light streaming in and the thoughtful inclusion of lanterns for extra visibility, the quilts glowed like treasured pieces in a boutique.
“The limited lighting turned out to have a beautiful side effect,” said Denece Graddy, one of the featured quilters. She shared how some quilts appeared almost like stained glass with the sunlight filtering through them. Graddy, who snagged a blue ribbon for her piece titled “Purple Explosion Bargello,” expressed her joy in seeing her work illuminated so uniquely.
Exquisite Creations on Display
This year’s exhibition highlights a charming garden theme, and visitors can admire an incredible array of items ranging from a simple placemat to grand king-size bed quilts. Each piece is accompanied by a card detailing its maker and background story, adding a personal touch to the viewing experience. Graddy explained her quilt’s inspiration: “I wanted something special for my bed and couldn’t find a purple quilt I liked, so I made one!”
One standout creation is the “best of show” winner, Donna Davis’ enchanting quilt entitled “Another Basket of Flowers.” This large wall hanging captures attention right at the entrance, showcasing the blend of creativity and intricate craftsmanship that characterizes the exhibition.
First-Time Participants Shine
This year also marked a special milestone for Carla Shuler, a first-time participant who showcased her quilt “Garden Girls.” In her words, “My quilt is largely made up of various panels from designer Cori Dantini, featuring whimsical girls, birds, and bees with inspiring quotes. The bees are especially dear to me; after all, where would we bee without them?”
Not to be outdone, Annmarie Gorensek created a Halloween-themed quilt aptly named “Spooky,” inspired by her daughter’s love for ghosts, highlighting the personal stories woven into each piece.
Judging and Awards
The quilts were judged by Veronica Moriarty, an esteemed member of Quilters of South Carolina. This year’s various categories witnessed fierce competition but also showcased many talented makers. Carla Shuler’s entries, “Celebrating Love” and “Garden Girls,” were celebrated within the first-time entries category, reflecting the diverse talent present.
Visiting the Show
For those interested in witnessing this remarkable display, the museum has adjusted its hours to take full advantage of natural light, welcoming visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. With about 91 creations to enjoy, visitors can also purchase some of the quilts, allowing them to take home a piece of art.
The Carolina Pine Quilters guild, which has been a cornerstone of the community since its formation in 1985, meets monthly at Trinity United Methodist Church. They invite all interested quilters to join and continue to share the love of this intricate craft.
Conclusion
As Aiken welcomes art and creativity through the Carolina Pine Quilters’ annual show, the vibrant community spirit shines brightly. Whether you’re a quilting veteran or a curious newcomer, this exhibition promises to inspire and enchant, celebrating the enduring art of quilting.
