Quilt Show Weaves Social Justice into Wisconsin Tradition
The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show is an annual event that brings together quilting enthusiasts from all over the state. Held every September at Madison’s Alliant Energy Center, the event is a vibrant celebration of quilt artistry. It features a plethora of booths, demonstrations, and, of course, quilts. This year’s show not only showcased the intricate beauty of handmade quilts, but also highlighted the powerful intersection of art and social justice.
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The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show: A Hub of Creativity and Community
With its high ceilings and the low hum of quilters conversing, the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center transforms into a haven for quilt lovers. The event attracts a crowd primarily composed of individuals in their 50s and above, who gather to exchange ideas, patterns, and stories. This year, the show spanned an impressive 255,000 square feet, providing ample space for the hundreds of handmade quilts on display and the numerous vendors selling fabric, sewing machines, and other quilting supplies.
Exhibits and Demonstrations
The Quilt Show is a feast for the senses, with a sea of colorful fabrics and intricate designs at every turn. Attendees can explore a variety of booths offering:
- Fabric – From traditional prints to modern designs
- Sewing Machines – Demonstrations of the latest models
- Accessories – Tiny pairs of bedazzled scissors on necklace chains
In addition to the vendor booths, the show features live demonstrations where expert quilters share their techniques and tips. These provide valuable insights for both novice and experienced quilters alike.
GSAFE: Weaving Social Justice into Quilt Artistry
Amid the bustling activity of the Quilt Show, one booth stood out for its unique blend of art and advocacy. GSAFE, a Madison-based organization, used the event as an opportunity to raise money and awareness for their mission to protect LGBTQ+ youth in schools. Their booth, adorned with rainbow quilts of various sizes and shades, was a beacon of inclusivity and support.
Fundraising Efforts
GSAFE’s presence at the Quilt Show was part of their broader fundraising strategy, which includes several events throughout the year. At the show, they promoted their upcoming online Quilt and Fiber Art Auction, scheduled for November 26 – December 3, with the theme *Together*. The auction invites participants to donate any fiber art that *makes your little heart sing*. It expands beyond just quilts to include a variety of fiber art pieces.
Brightly colored informational pamphlets and matte-finished stickers were available at the booth, alongside Kris and Kringle, two crocheted reindeer stuffed animals dressed in matching rainbow sweaters and hats—a surprise donation for the auction. These whimsical items added a touch of joy and creativity to the booth, attracting the attention of many passersby.
Community Engagement
Fox Coenen and Kalen MacAdam, the volunteers manning the GSAFE booth, engaged with attendees, explaining the organization’s mission and fundraising efforts. MacAdam, in his first and only shift of the weekend, emphasized the importance of the various fundraisers, including a fun run around Halloween featuring a human versus zombie theme. Coenen, who had been at the booth throughout the weekend, shared that their experience had been overwhelmingly positive. Many retired teachers and educators expressed gratitude for GSAFE’s work.
The Impact of the Quilt Show
The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show is not just an event for showcasing quilts; it is a platform for fostering connections and creating change. The presence of organizations like GSAFE highlights the potential for art to be a powerful tool for advocacy and social justice. As attendees browse the quilts and engage with the various booths, they are also exposed to important causes and encouraged to support efforts that make a difference in the community.
Sentiments and Reflections
Visitors to the GSAFE booth shared heartfelt sentiments, thanking the organization for their dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. The emotional responses from retired teachers and educators underscored the impact of GSAFE’s work and the importance of providing safe and inclusive environments for all students. This sense of community and shared purpose was a recurring theme throughout the Quilt Show, weaving together the threads of creativity, compassion, and change.
Conclusion: Threads of Change
The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show is a testament to the enduring appeal of quilting and its ability to bring people together.
This year’s event, with its blend of artistic expression and social advocacy, demonstrated the power of quilts to not only tell stories but also to drive meaningful change.
As attendees left the jam-packed parking lot, they carried with them not just memories of beautiful quilts but also the inspiring message of organizations like GSAFE.
For more information on the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show and the work of GSAFE, visit the Madison Commons article.
