SOQS shines spotlight on artists

For a special 40th anniversary event, the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) teamed with Island Batik to shine a spotlight on the 29 quilters who have, over the years in Sisters, received special recognition as featured quilter, inspirational instructor, machine quilter of the year, or Quilt Show Sunday lecturer.

"Island Batik approached us with the concept of wanting to recognize an extraordinary body of work," said Jeanette Pilak, SOQS executive director. "When we looked back at the work created by the quilters we've honored in the past, we knew it was something we had to bring together as a special exhibit for the 2015 show. These quilters represent the best and most creative work during the 40 years since the show was founded by Jean Wells Keenan."

"We are thrilled to celebrate these quilters for their superb workmanship, their mastery of a wide variety of quilting techniques, and their ability to create artistic beauty in quilting," said Caleb Willis, president and CEO of Island Batik.

Dolores Minson, 2003 featured quilter, recalled, "Being named featured quilter in 2003 was like being chosen "Queen for a Day.' Visitors from all over the world who were at the Quilt Show were so complimentary of my work. You feel validated for the effort you made in creating those quilts when you see how much people enjoy them!"

Ruth Golden Ingham was named featured quilter in 1998 and Inspirational Instructor in 2013.

You can't imagine how lucky it is to be honored," she said. "In Sisters that year (2013), a couple came up to me that I had never met before, but whose last name was the same name as my maiden name. We tried to trace our ancestry and decided we may be distant cousins. It all happened here in Sisters!"

A complete list of the 40th Anniversary Honored Quilters can be found at the SOQS website. A special exhibit featuring the work of the 2015 Honored Quilters will be on display on Saturday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The honored quilters will be special guests at the Wednesday, July 8, Ruby Celebration at the Sisters High School Auditorium. For tickets or more information visit www.sistersoutdoorquiltshow.com or call 541-549-0989.