QUILTERS HALL OF FAME – AROUND THE FRAME

Ruth B. McDowell and Phil Beaver to be honored at the Quilters Hall of Fame Celebration 2014

It’s time once again to travel to Marion, Indiana for Celebration 2014 and the induction of the latest Hall of Fame honoree: Ruth B. McDowell. This year the Indiana State Quilt Guild is honoring artist, teacher quilter Phil Beaver with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ruth B. McDowell started quilting in 1972. She is an award winning quilter who has shared her love of quilting by teaching her techniques and design skills with quilters all over the world. Her quilts are highly prized by collectors and she has exhibited them in juried, invitational and solo shows around the world. Her quilts “Twelve Dancing Princesses and “The Yellow Maple Leaf” were included in the 20th Century’s Best American Quilts selected by a Blue Ribbon panel of the top foremost quilting experts of the late 20th century.

You may view her quilts, books, and class information on her website: www.ruthbmcdowell.com . Better yet head down to Marion July 17-19 and meet Ruth and view her gorgeous quilts. Each day Ruth will conduct a walk-through of her quilt exhibit and explain her inspiration behind each quilt. These are “great look and learn” opportunities whether you are an expert or novice quilter. When I go to these events I find the inductees to be very approachable and eager to share their experiences with the group.

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Artist, teacher and quilter Phil Beaver, French Lick, Indiana will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indiana State Quilt Guild during the Quilter’s Hall of Fame Celebration event on Thursday, July 17, at 7 p.m. at the Marion Library, 600 S. Washington St. with a reception to follow.

After teaching the fine arts of silversmithing, metalsmithing drawing and fiber design to high school students Phil discovered quilting in 2000. It didn’t take him long to collect 59 major quilting awards, including nine “Best of Show” awards in the most prestigious quilt competitions in the world. You may remember Phil from his regular appearances on HGTV’s Simply Quilts. Phil conducted many many classes on appliqué and design techniques.

While at Celebration 2014 do take the opportunity to visit the museum, browse the vendors, take in a lecture or take a class or two. For complete information go to www.quiltershalloffame.net/celebration

Lois Eubank is the owner of Born Again Quilts a restoration studio and quilt gallery located at 4005 South Wayne Ave. Contact her at bornagainquilts@frontier.com 260-515-9446.