To all my quilting buddies out there,
This is an FYI - our local quild invited the superintendant of the local Fair to our most recent evening meeting. She and her assistant got to state their needs and we got to talk to her about our concerns. As a guild for a long time now we signed up to receive these treasures (wearing white gloves), tag them for the Fair, display them on pegboard & hanging rods through the sleeves the participants put on the backs and we also volunteer to sit and protect these works of art. There is not an entry fee and the only recognition we do get is ribbons and the satisfaction of seeing it on display for others to enjoy. Except for the Best of the Show which receives a donated gift certificate from a local quilt store. Our guild noticed years ago the lack of respect for these items and because of it, we got involved. We all try to volunteer as much as we can to cover the needs to help others understand this labor intense art form. We even do demonstrations on some of the many art forms submitted for judging - what fun that is!
Dear quilting buddies, you all can make a difference. Let's not let others be hurt for the lack of understanding let's get out there and show these beauties off. Volunteer when and where you can.
I've submitted quilts and many other hand crafted things to Fairs in California and Arizona and have never been disappointed with the means of display I've seen. It really broke my heart to hear what happened to others on this Board but you can make a difference next time. Don't let this stop you from sharing your creation. Get out there and help make it better for others and yourself. Sorry, up on my band wagon - I've been community minded all my life and know how frustrating it can be when talented people are turned off in showing their things because of a mistake made that can easily be fixed. We all just need to get involved, help make it a better experience for you and the next group of people interested in showing their treasures off. It doesn't have to be a dying art form but if we don't do anything about the situation it could become a hidden art form.