PRESS RELEASE— American Quilter’s Society (AQS), the largest quilting membership organization in the world, is pleased to announce the return of the AQS QuiltWeek Show in Grand Rapids August 21—24, 2019 at the DeVos Place Convention Center.

AQS QuiltWeek 2019 includes six events across the U.S. Each AQS QuiltWeek show features a variety of programming including special exhibitions, workshops by renowned instructors, contests and a Merchant Mall with local and national vendors.

“The special exhibits on display are intended to provide inspiration and entertainment for quilters, collectors and fiber art enthusiasts attending the event,” said Bonnie Browning, AQS Executive Show Director. “Grand Rapids QuiltWeek Show is the second largest of all of our QuiltWeeks and we look forward to welcoming new and seasonal visitors to see some of the best in quilting and fiber art that the world has to offer.”

In addition to more than 680 quilts on display, $54,000 in prizes will be awarded during the AQS Quilt Contest at the event. AQS Certified Quilt Appraisers will be on hand to appraise new and vintage quilts for insurance documentation or fair market values. In addition, there will be a special course offered for those interested in becoming a certified appraiser themselves.

The Grand Rapids QuiltWeek Show features a total of 12 exhibitions over three days, including: 

35 Years of AQS Anniversary Showcase

This exhibition showcases 15 of the previous Best of Show winning quilts at AQS QuiltWeek Shows, which are on loan from The National Quilt Museum’s permanent collection.

Bold by Design: Kaffe Fassett

Kaffe Fassett has dedicated the last 50 years of his life to the world of knitting, needlepoint, and patchwork, promoting these crafts through his own work and encouraging others to find their own creativity. A large part of Kaffe’s output is now an expanding range of fabric prints for the patchwork market, along with the Indian striped fabric and shot cotton fabric which are distributed worldwide by Westminster Fibers, USA and Rowan, UK. He teaches individuals all over the world to work with color in an instinctive way.

Quilts of Valor: A 50 State Salute

The “50 State Salute” exhibit features quilts made in patriotic designs, from the simple to the complex. Each quilt will be awarded to veterans and military members touched by war by the Quilts of Valor Foundation. These quilts are meant to inspire all levels of quiltmakers and to showcase the many possibilities for expressing gratitude to our military through quilts.

From Hands Alone: Selected Quilts from the Collection of Chris Moline

The quilts included in this exhibit are selected from the collection of Chris Moline and represent items that display the artistry and innovation of handmade quilts. Moline is an author, collector, lecturer, teacher and textile historian.

SAQA: Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis generates transformative change in shape, nature, or structure. Animals physically develop and change from birth to maturity. Concepts and ideas morph and change over time. Even the earth’s landscape progresses through many geological and ecological stages. The pieces in this exhibition demonstrate the inevitability of physical, philosophical or personal change and the results of such transformations.

International Miniature Quilt Exchange

The QuiltShow.com sponsored a quilt exchange between quilters in the United States and international quilters. The quiltmakers were paired up to develop a friendship and to learn about each of their own quiltmaking styles. Each team submitted two 18–24” quilts, 300 total, and 24 “mini” quilts were selected for this traveling exhibit.

For a full list of exhibitions, visit http://bit.ly/2ZwA7vG.

To avoid lines, purchasing tickets in advance online is encouraged. Visit www.quiltweek.com to purchase tickets. AQS Members receive 20 percent off and anyone who places their order 30 days or more before the show receives 10 percent off. Group and discounted hotel room rates are available.