Quilt Show has big community support

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) gets support from major sponsors to support the largest free outdoor show in the country.

The 41st annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show will take place Saturday, July 9, with events, workshops and activities during quilt week, July 3-10.

"Infinite Stitches" is the theme of this year's show and the 2016 poster created by Sisters artist Kathy Deggendorfer.

The 41st annual event is presented by Robert Kaufman Fabrics. Robert Kaufman Co, Inc. is a converter of quilting fabrics and textiles for retailers and manufacturers. Kaufman Co. is a fabric supplier to many industries, including retail & quilting, home décor, bridal, uniforms, and the apparel industry. 

"As a family-run business, we feel drawn to this kind of unique community event," said Ken Kaufman, CEO.  "Sisters Quilt Show brings the entire community together like one big family, to celebrate the artistry, heritage, and creativity of fiber arts and quilting.  Once again, we are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Sisters' Outdoor Quilt Show." 

Additional leadership support has been received from The Roundhouse Foundation.

"The Roundhouse Foundation looks to fund collaborative, community projects that celebrate the arts and heighten community awareness and appreciation for the arts in its many aspects," said Susan Robinson, managing director. "The Roundhouse Foundation has been a Lone Star supporter of the Quilt Show over the many years because of its ability to collaborate with area community groups and to draw national and international visitors to celebrate the heritage and art of quilting."

"Over the past four decades the impact of the annual Quilt Show has grown to impact all of Central Oregon. The significant contributions of Robert Kaufman Fabrics and The Roundhouse Foundation both recognizes the size and scope of our efforts and allows the show to reach new audiences," said Jean Wells Keenan, SOQS chair emeritus and founder.  

Registration for quilts for the 2016 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show is open. The show can accept up to 1,200 quilts for display, and a limited number of those can be for sale. For entry criteria and instructions, visit Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Quilt Entry Information. The last day for quilt registration is Friday, May 27, or when the show is filled, whichever occurs first. The registration site is closed at the end of the business day on Friday, May 27.

Jeanette Pilak, SOQS director,  reminds folks that "for-sale entries" tend to fill quickly - sometimes as early as the beginning of May.

"The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show is a 'show-and-tell' exhibit. That means the quilts entered are not judged or juried. We are proud of the 40-year tradition that accepts quilts of any style, with the few limitations listed in our Entry Criteria. We are proud to display your work, be it a first quilt or an art quilt, providing every one - quilter and visitor - the opportunity to observe, enjoy, and learn," she said.

For more information on quilt registration, event ticket sales, and contests, visit SistersOutdoorQuiltShow.org.