3 minute read
Making the Grade
A Show of Hands
Connie Bailey Leola Curtis
words Liesel Schmidt Images courtesy Belle Point Quilters Guild
OOver the years, there has been a return to artisanal goods, to items made by hand that bear the imprint of their maker—a human with a story and a name, rather than a heartless machine. It’s authentic and real.
Quilts have long been a part of the tapestry of Americana, handiwork displaying hour after hour of effort and attention, sometimes the work of one, sometimes many. Filled with color and pattern and intricacies that only reveal themselves after careful study, quilts are a masterpiece painted in fabric, and their appeal has outlasted the constantly changing tides of trendiness.
But the preservation of the craft is crucial to the continuing presence of the authentic quilt—which is where guilds like Belle Point Quilters Guild find their greatest importance. Begun in 1984 with just twelve individuals passionate about quilting, the guild now boasts more than 200 active members from across the River Valley area.
Since 1990, the guild has been hosting the Belle Point Quilters Guild Quilt Show, offering local quilters of all ages and skill levels the chance to showcase their work and compete for recognition of their talent. Ribbons are given for quilts within many different categories, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, in addition to awards including Fort Smith Mayor's Award and Best Quilted.
“Our local guild has more than 200 members, and, while not everyone will enter a quilt, many will, and non-members may enter quilts, as well,” says guild member Connie Bailey. “As many as three quilts can be entered per person, and participants may choose to have their work judged by a nationally certified judge, from whom they will receive a constructive score and remarks. However, they may also enter a quilt and choose not to have it judged.”
As part of the show, the guild will display some very special quilts that carry a unique story and the works of hands across many miles. “A former guild member suggested we reach out to another guild internationally to see if they would like to participate in a ‘round robin’ quilt block exchange, and an internet search led us to Heather Ford and the talented members of the South Australia Guild in Adelaide, South Australia,” says guild member Dianne O’Donnell. “Sixteen of our members formed up in teams of four and pieced a 12-inch block. Meanwhile, sixteen counterparts in Adelaide did the same.
"Our first year was themed ‘Share a Cup of Friendship,’ and along with the blocks, we included photos and brief letters of introduction. We shipped our coffee and tea themed blocks off and anxiously awaited the blocks from Adelaide. Once received, each Fort Smith team of four set about adding borders to the original block. The final outcome was the product of four individuals’ unique creativity. We sent back our work to Adelaide, and our original blocks were returned to us. The results were beautiful, colorful, and treasured.
“Our second round robin was a bit more ambitious,” Dianne goes on. “Twenty-eight members signed on and once again the results were stunning. Of note, our connection with the Adelaide quilters occurred during the 2019-2020 fire season that devastated the region. It was an opportunity to share our support and prayers for a safe recovery.”
Connie believes quilting’s appeal is tied to several factors. “People love hobbies, being creative, and beautiful fabrics,” she says. “Most do not make quilts anymore just to keep warm, like our grandmothers did. However, very similar to days gone by, many quilters still gather to sew and quilt—not to hand-quilt so much, but to take classes together, learn new techniques, eat, and just be social.
"Everyone is invited to attend this year’s show," says Connie. "Attendees can view over 200 quilts, enter our quilt raffle, and enjoy silent auction and vendor items. Our greatest mission is to 'raise awareness of the creative, amazing art of quilting and of our local guild, allow quilters to display their unique individual works of art, and raise money to invest in the guild for ongoing education of our members.'"
