Exciting additions for “Quilts: A World of Beauty”
International Quilt Association to include
new sponsors, awards in annual fall Judged Show
HOUSTON—February 27, 2008—The International Quilt Association announced today that the 2008 edition of its annual fall Judged Show, “Quilts: A World of Beauty,” will include several new sponsors, new categories, and even more prize money than ever before—a total of $101,250!
Handi Quilter (www.handiquilter.com), a leading manufacturer and marketer of long-arm quilting machines, frames, and systems, will sponsor the $10,000 Handi Quilter Best of Show Award. It will be awarded to the quilt deemed the absolute cream of the crop.
“We are excited to form a long-term partnership with IQA as together we recognize the best of the best quilts and quilters from around the world,” says Mark Hyland, CEO of Handi Quilter. “We recognize the excitement, motivation, and inspiration that these events create for the thousands of quilters who attend.”
Also, The Quilt Show (www.thequiltshow.com), an interactive online video/web magazine for quilters hosted by noted artists Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson, will sponsor the brand new $7,500 World of Beauty Award. This award will go to a quilt that has beauty appealing to the heart or mind, as well as the eye.
“The Quilt Show is thrilled to have the opportunity to sponsor this new award,” Tims notes. “Our goal of connecting quilters worldwide, sharing positive messages in quilting, and celebrating quilting as a lifestyle aligns perfectly with the new World of Beauty Award.”
C&T Publishing, a leading producer of books and other items for the quilting, paper craft, and fiber art markets, will sponsor the new $2000 Future of Quilting Award. The award will be presented to a quilter age 35 or under whose quilt exhibits admirable qualities of the craft and whose work shows promise for his/her future in quilting.
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In addition, two existing categories will have new sponsors. Prym-Dritz, a manufacturer and distributor of sewing, quilting, and craft-related notions, will now sponsor the Innovative Pieced, Large category, which awards a total of $2,000 to first, second, and third place winners. And Mama’s Log House Quilt Shop, a retail store and online source for quilting supplies, will be taking over sponsorship for the $500 Viewer’s Choice Award.
Each prize will be awarded by a group of judges that will also determine winners in 24 other categories, five Master Awards, one Founders Award, and the Judge’s Choice awards.
“We are very pleased to announce these awards. Our sponsors have offered their generous support in promoting artistry in quilts,” says Charlotte Warr Andersen, IQA President. “This is the most prize money we’ve ever been able to award, and that is very exciting!”
Entry to the “Quilts: A World of Beauty” Judged Show is open only to members of the International Quilt Association. For information on IQA and downloadable membership and entry forms, please visit www.quilts.org
Media only: For more information, contact Crystal Battarbee, IQA Coordinator,
at 713-781-6864, ext. 123, or e-mail iqa@quilts.com