Albuquerque, NM – The American Quilter’s Society will debut its popular QuiltWeek event in AlbuquerqueJanuary 14-17, 2015 at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Similar events across the nation have brought in roughly 15,000 attendees. The Albuquerque Visitors and Conventions Bureau has estimated that the direct economic impact that QuiltWeek is bringing to the Albuquerque area is $928,457.00.
Over 500 quilts will be on display with more than $50,000 in prizes to be awarded for quilting excellence at the event. Renowned artists like Karen Kay Buckley, Susan K. Cleveland, Leni Wiener and Paula Nadelstern will have their quilts on display and visitors can shop an extensive Merchant Mall comprised of both local and national vendors.
The event will feature special exhibits centered on the cultural and artistic heritage of New Mexico and the Southwest. Events for media and the general public include:
Tentmakers from Cairo – These four men are all talented craftsmen who practice a unique Egyptian craft dating back to the pharaohs which involves the hand-stitching of the interiors of tents, a technique that’s been refined over many generations. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNzTXZiXN00).
The Tentmakers of Cairo are available for demonstrations and interviews.
From the Land of Enchantment: 30 Years of Quilts by Gail Garber – There will be 30 quilts on display (many for the first time) from well-known Albuquerque quilter, Gale Garber. Gerber uses elements from the Land of Enchantment as inspiration when designing her quilts. Gerber will not be present at the convention, but available for phone interviews.
Shades of the Southwest Quilts is a collection of 31 quilts inspired by the designs of the ancient inhabitants and the traditional art of the region. Native American culture, granite rock formations and desert animals are depicted through fiber art in the exhibit.
The Route 66 collection features around 50 art quilts depicting each quiltmaker’s personal engagement with the iconic Mother Road.
Admission to AQS QuiltWeek includes access to all special exhibits and the Merchant Mall with hundreds of quilting items for sale. Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, January 14–16, and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17. Tickets and additional information can be found atwww.quiltweek.com/albuquerque or by calling 1-270-898-7903.
About the American Quilter’s Society
The American Quilter's Society is the largest quilting membership organization in the world. For thirty years, AQS has been the leading voice in quilting through a broad suite of products—magazines, books, live events, contests, workshops, online networks, patterns, fabrics, and catalogs. At AQS, we believe that with inspiration and advice, creatively minded individuals can take their quilting projects beyond what even they have imagined. The leading authors in quilting choose to publish with AQS, the best in quilt artistry select AQS events to display their work, the newest quilters learn from the knowledge and vision of AQS members. For more information on the American Quilter's Society, please visit www.americanquilter.com or call 1-270-898-7903.