Quilts created by everyday citizens destined to provide comfort and serenity to injured soldiers is being featured in the 16th Annual Fiber Arts Exhibition in the City Hall Gallery.
Quilts of Valor and other fiber art pieces provided by local artists of Tallahassee Quilters Unlimited are being showcased to display the talents of local quilters. Sponsored by the Council on Culture and Arts, the exhibition highlights the fiber artwork.
“What makes this year unique is there are actually two shows in one: the first is a variety of quilts of great beauty, and second is quilts of great purpose,” said Amanda Thompson, curator of the gallery and exhibition.
Quilts of Valor is a national non-profit organization that was started in 2003 by Catherine Roberts, whose son was deployed in Iraq. In an effort to offer comfort, quilters from across the country have created, provided and distributed more then 28,000 quilts to wounded soldiers. Some of these quilters include local members of Tallahassee Quilters Unlimited.
“We’re especially proud that we featured the Quilts of Valor,” said Miriam Baldwin, volunteer chairperson for the exhibition and member of Quilters Unlimited. Baldwin said there are nine Quilts of Valor and 34 quilts are being showcased.
“It gives us a place to show our artistic talents,” said Baldwin.
The Quilts of Valor featured in the exhibition will be sent to service members who return suffering from physical or psychological war injuries, according to the press release. The exhibition is open through Aug. 31.
A meet and greet with the quilters will occur during the public reception on July 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The exhibition, along with the reception, is free and open to the public. The City Hall Gallery is located on the second floor of City Hall, 300 S. Adams St.
“