Quilts: An Art Form that is Healing and Inspiring

Quilts were once primarily utilitarian bedcoverings, but they have evolved into an exciting art form. In addition, according to a study published in the Journal of Public Health, quilting can enhance "cognitive, emotional and social wellbeing." And looking at these gorgeous works of art is joyful inspiration for the soul! Quilts shown here were exhibited at the 2018 Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival. They offer a flavor of what event-goers can expect from the upcoming show. The 30th annual Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival, February 28-March 3, 2019, in Hampton, Virginia, will feature over 700 quilts and garments on display.

Source of LIfe by Hollis Chatelain
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Source of LIfe (detail) by Hollis Chatelain. Skin was constructed from recycled denim jeans.
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Happy by Robbi Joy Eklow
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Alpaca's Salad by Barbara McKie, thread work on top of a photo printed on fabric.
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Pinball Wizard (3rd Place, Traditional) by Marilyn Badger
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Erin (Honorable Mention, Innovative) by Sandy Curran
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Morada by Mary Menzer
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Dineh (Navajo) Madonna by Denise Havlan
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Floral Explosion by Paula B Entin
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Hope by Christy Gray
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A Beautiful Death (awarded Best Interpretation of Theme) by Ann Harwell
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River Mumma by Donette A. Cooper
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Lepidopteran #5 (1st Place, Innovative) by Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry
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An Interrupted Still LIfe by Pam L Seaberg
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Bake America Great Again by Sheila H. Reiss
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Bake America Great Again (detail) by Sheila H. Reiss
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Liberty's Forgotten Words by Laura Fogg
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Election 2016, A Dark Night by Ana Conceicao
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Together We Stand, by Laura Fogg
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Lady Liberty Weeps: Her Plaque has Gone Missing by Kay Little
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Lady Liberty Weeps: Her Plaque has Gone Missing (detail) by Kay Little
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Lady Liberty Weeps: Her Plaque has Gone Missing by Kay Little (description)
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'I think it pisses God off...' by Delilah Armstrong
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Rejoice (Best Longarm Machine Workmanship award) by Molly Hamilton-McNally
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Reflections on Water (3rd Place Wall Quilt) by Sandra L Mollon
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Quilt entries compete in Traditional, Innovative and Wall Quilt Categories as well as for the "Best of Show" title, with over $19,000 in prizes The Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival, is the largest quilt event on the Eastern Seaboard, will be at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, in Hampton, Virginia, February 28-March 3, 2019.