Quilting! To Celebrate and to Learn!
MISSION
Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame celebrates and honors the contribution of Arizonans to quiltmaking and educates the public about quiltmaking, its history, and artisans.
HISTORY
There are several regional and numerous local organizations for those interested in learning about and sharing in quilting.  Many of these offer the opportunity to exhibit and earn recognition for one’s work.  However, there exists no truly state-wide organization celebrating the unique place that quilting holds in the lives of many of Arizona’s citizens.  Through this realization, the concept of an Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame was born.

In early 2007, founders took the first steps to create Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame, organizing as a non-profit entity.  The Board of Directors, encompassing all areas of the state, represents almost 200 years of involvement in the local, regional and national quilting community, many in positions of leadership. The organization was granted 501(c)(3) charitable status by the Internal Revenue Service in September 2007.

Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame completed its first nomination, selection and induction process in 2008, welcoming six inductees at a luncheon event in September.  We also successfully launched the Hall of Fame Award Program, with nine Arizona-based quilt shows participating in that program. Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame was the recipient of several grants to support the development of its traveling exhibit.

CURRENT PROJECTS

Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame:  The core project of the organization is the Hall of Fame itself.  Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame is a virtual “museum” and is housed here. Each March 15 to May 15, the Hall of Fame invites nominations. (View nomination criteria) After a careful review of the nominations, the Board of Directors announces finalists each June. Friends of the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame are invited to vote to affirm each nominee’s inclusion in the Hall of Fame.  Inductees are announced in early August in preparation for the annual induction event held each September.  Inductees and their work are highlighted on the organization’s website in perpetuity.  Each inductee receives a commemorative recognition indicating inclusion in the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame.  In the event that the inductee is deceased, their surviving family members are asked to represent the honoree at the event and receive her/his posthumous recognition.  

Hall of Fame Award Program:  To encourage excellence in quiltmaking, Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame partners with quilt guilds, chapters and groups around the state to recognize one outstanding quilt and its maker at a sponsored quilt show or exhibit.  Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame provides a ribbon recognition and a current-year inclusion in Friends of the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame for the recipient of this recognition.  Winning quilts and their makers are showcased on Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame website, in our newsletter, and at the induction event.  

Virtual Quilt Shows:  Each month, the Hall of Fame showcases a different Arizona quilter. Visitors to the web site have the opportunity to meet the quilter, as well as see a virtual quilt show of their work.  Featured quilters are archived on the site.

Friends of the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame:  For those supporting Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame with financial contributions, we offer inclusion in Friends of the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame.  Individuals or groups may become Friends and receive recognitions for their contributions at varying levels.  All Friends are guaranteed the latest information from Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame prior to public release.  

Traveling Exhibit: Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame offers a professionally designed traveling exhibit available to any quilt-related or community event in the state.  We welcome the opportunity to share information about the organization with the quilt-interested public. Request the exhibit by contacting us.

Monthly e-Newsletter: Subscribers to our monthly e-newsletter will receive quilting tips and the latest in Arizona quilting news. Sign up here.

FUTURE GROWTH AND EXPANSION
Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame expects to become a resource for information about quilting, quiltmakers, and the role that quilting has played, and continues to play, in the state.  To achieve that long-term goal, the Hall of Fame will:
  • Develop an educational program.  Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame will sponsor an annual event that educates the public about quiltmaking, its history, and its artisans.  This day-long event will be designed to appeal to both those knowledgeable about quilting as well as the general public.
  • Achieve a permanent home. Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame envisions a permanent home wherein its collection will be available to the public for enjoyment and study.  Achieving a permanent facility will enable the Hall of Fame to grow exponentially, both in its programs and as an attraction for visitors.
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Crossing Bridges by Lynn Kough.