Special Exhibits
The Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza
& Mancuso Show Management Are Proud to Present:
HARVEY MADE THAT? - The quilting adventures of Harvey Fierstein
What the heck is a 7-time Tony Award Winning actor and playwright doing with a long arm? The same thing he’s done with the rest of his life: He’s telling stories. Harvey began making quilts casually more than 30 years ago, but the COVID lockdown sent his need for artistic expression into overdrive and drove him straight to his sewing machine. Endlessly experimenting, seeking to learn new techniques and materials, QuiltFest proudly presents a selection of recent pieces that will hopefully hint at the many quilting moods of Harvey. Pictured on left: "For Chita". Pictured on right: "Bobo & Charlier in Repose".
40 Years of Community - York Quilters' Guild
The York Quilters’ Guild began in June 1985 when eight quilters met after Carol Blevins noted she rarely saw students finish their quilts. A show-and-tell event soon drew nearly 75 participants, leading to the guild’s formation. We meet on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m., with meetings starting at 6:30 p.m. Our guild hosts events like the judged Celebration of Quilts show and Quilt Bingo. We support the community by donating quilts to various organizations and offering educational programs, including Quilt Camp for Kids and our new Quilt Boot Camp for adults. Learn more at https://yorkquiltersguild.com/ Pictured on right: "Forty Fabulous Years" by Taylor Mercado.
Abstract - Quilts on the Wall
"Abstract art invites the viewer to engage with their own imagination, to find personal meaning in the work. The function of abstraction is to get rid of a lot of reality. You start with as much richness as you want and subtract." - Robert Mot
Quilts on the Wall is a group of textile artists dedicated to learning about and sharing art quilts. Their projects are displayed on a wall rather than on a bed. The group has at least two Challenges a year. Juried and non-juried exhibits travel to venues such as quilt and textile art shows, and are displayed in art galleries. Quilts pictured: Sideways by Bunnie Mauldin, Under the Microscope by Kathy Hartmann, Subtle Fragments by Jerilee Petralba, Postpartum Depression by Karen Diane Morgan Guthrie, Frolicking in the Bay by Ardis Bucy, and Yellowstone Hot Springs by Anne Sonner.
America the Beautiful - Courthouse Quilters Guild
To celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary and Courthouse Quilters Guild’s 38th anniversary, the guild challenge highlights the beauty across our great nation.
Each participant was assigned one of five regions of the country: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and Northwest. The challenge was to create a quilt that represented some aspect of beauty in that region.
It could be the mountains of Colorado, the redwoods in California, Times Square, an Alaskan glacier, an Ohio Star block, or simply the colors of a desert sunset. There’s beauty everywhere in this great nation.
The quilts are displayed grouping by the various regions to highlight the beauty of our nation “from sea to shining sea.” Pictured on right: "Where the Stars and the Stripes and the Eagles Fly" by Laura Kohl.
America’s 250th Challenge Exhibit - Four County Quilters Guild
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Four County Quilters Guild proudly presents the “America 250” Challenge Exhibit—a collection of original quilts honoring the nation’s rich history, diverse culture, and enduring spirit.
Guild members were invited to interpret this milestone in their own unique voice, drawing inspiration from themes such as freedom, unity, heritage, innovation, and the evolving American story. This exhibit highlights not only the creativity and technical skill of our members, but also the power of quilting as a medium for storytelling and connection.
As we commemorate 250 years of American history, the Four County Quilters Guild celebrates the voices of its artists and the threads that bind us together. We meet the second Tuesday of every month in Mt. Airy, MD. https://fourcountyquilters.org/. Pictured on left: " Old Glory" by Kristi Dillard.
Amethyst - Hoffman Challenge 2025 - 2026
Presenting the 36th Annual Hoffman Challenge featuring Hoffman Fabric's “Amethyst” batik collection. Hoffman Challenge participants were required to use a minimum of 5 out of 15 of the batik challenge fabrics in the body of the quilt top or garment in recognizable, but not necessarily equal amounts. The outcome is a stunning display of quilts and textile art!
Art Quilters Celebrate Independence, a juried exhibition from Studio Art Quilt Associates of Pennsylvania
Our juried, touring exhibition features artwork by Studio Art Quilt Associates of Pennsylvania (SAQA-PA) in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Thirty-nine innovative art quilts and quilted artworks explore the broad meaning of independence and freedom of expression. All artworks connect with America's storied past, yet exemplify exciting conceptual and technical departures from tradition that herald the art quilt as a fine art medium. Pictured on right: "Liberty" by Gay Bitter.
Artist 2 Artist - SAQA SoCA/SoNV
Members of SAQA's southern California region responded to works by artists who inspired them. Famous or friend, classic or contemporary, the photos of the inspirational art are shown side by side with the SAQA artists' own visions, visions which reflect influence, response, and homage to those they admire. The works vary widely in style, colors, execution but all bear the hand of one artist to another. Some, like Jenner's homage to Georgia O'Keefe, are quite identifiable. Others, as in Brown's abstract work, need the title. "I Rise" tells us that it is inspired by a Maya Angelou poem, including symbols of hope and triumph. Pictured on left: "My Iris" by Pam Jenner. Pictured on right: " Your Face or Mine" by Phyllis Cullen.
Calico Cutters Celebrates America's 250th - Calico Cutters Quilt Guild 
Calico Cutters Quilt Guild is currently home to a vibrant community of over 150 members. Each year, we host a “challenge,” inviting quilters to create something inspired by a single shared theme. This year our theme is Celebrate America 250, a tribute to our nation’s history and the creativity that binds us together. Each entry was required to incorporate a special fireworks-themed fabric on the front — see if you can find it! — and were encouraged to explore techniques or embellishments that spoke to the theme. Please join us in celebrating our members’ fabulous creations commemorating America’s 250th birthday! Pictured on right: "America 250 Fireworks of Liberty" by Regina Koch
Celebration of Women: A Quilter's Perspective – A Special Exhibition Challenge Sponsored by Mancuso Show Management
Whether it’s dynamic heroines in history, inspiring quilters and mentors, or closer to home in your family tree, this challenge asked its entrants to create a quilt that honors the woman or women who have made a great impact on their life.
Divergence - Art Quilt Network (AQN)
Divergence explores contrast, difference, and the freedom to move in new directions. In these works, members of the Art Quilt Network (AQN) reflect on the many ways perspectives shift, ideas split, and individuality finds expression. Founded in 1986, AQN is one of the nation’s longest-standing groups dedicated to the art quilt, fostering community among fiber artists through retreats, exhibitions, and shared learning. This exhibition celebrates the innovation and creative spirit that defines both contemporary quiltmaking and the dynamic voices within AQN. Pictured: "Softly in Motion" by Palmer Frauke, "Raging Rhino" by Laurel Izard, & "Wayfinder" by Helen Greglio.
Hidden In Plain Sight: Black & White + - Nubian Heritage Quilters Guild
This exhibit is based on the Underground Railroad quilt sampler. Each member selected a block, using only black and white plus accent fabric, modernizing it with the use of ethnic fabric creating a 24” x 24” wall hanging. The Andinkra symbol Sankofa, double heart, is added to include the African proverb: ‘Each One, Teach One.’ This reinforces our mission statement: “learning from the past in building for the future”. Pictured on right: "Box Up" by Jannie L Jones.
History Cannot Be Erased - Quilts by Allyson Allen
History -The study, interpretation, and chronological record of past events, based on evidence, documents, artifacts, and oral traditions.
"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." - Maya Angelou
“The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.”- George Orwell
“If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree. ”- Michael Crichton
“We'll be remembered more for what we destroy than what we create.”- Chuck Palahniuk
“Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.”- Edmund Burke
“Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.”- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Pictured: "Not in America"
Honoring Women Veterans - Homemakers Quilt Guild
In honor of our County's 250th Anniversary, Homemakers Country Quilters Guild based in Collegeville PA is saluting the women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Our great country is built on the service of men and women defending the freedoms we enjoy. Homemakers Country Quilters is taking this opportunity to say THANK YOU to our Women Veterans. In October, Homemakers Country Quilters will be presenting these quilts to women veterans in our area. Pictured: "Bouquets of Thanks to Our Female Vets!" by Nancy Epright.
Legends of the Bible - Family Portraits Quilts by Marilyn Belford
Marilyn Belford is well known for her realistic fabric portraits and art quilts. She comes to the quilting community after a career in the art world. Her works have been shown at the American Quilters Society show in Paducah, Quilters’ Heritage Celebration in Lancaster, the International Quilt Association International Show in Houston, Texas, the Schweinfurth Museum in Auburn, N.Y., and other museums and shows nationally, winning many awards. Her quilts were on display at the Morris Museum in their 2015 NJ Craft Arts Annual. Most recently, her quilt "The Wrath of Poseidon" was chosen for permanent display at the National Quilt Museum in Peducah, Kentucky.
Marilyn has been teaching at Quilt University since 2003. She has written an article on her method for Chitra Publication’s magazine Quilting Today, has been featured in ARTS magazine, and has been favorably reviewed in newspapers in New York. Pictured: "Self Portrait"
Member Showcase - PieceMakers Quilt Guild
PieceMakers Quilt Guild meets in Harrisburg, PA, and consists of approximately 100 members who come from multiple counties in our area - Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Cumberland, Adams, and York to name just a few. Our guild is a friendly. diverse group with skills ranging from beginner to experienced. Our interests include traditional, applique, English paper piecing, art, and modern quilts, which are completed by hand or machine.
For this exhibit, members were asked to present a quilt that they created, that they are most proud of, and that holds sentimental value to them or their family. This exhibit reflects not only the skill of our members but the creativity of our group. We hope you enjoy seeing our work and are inspired to create more quilts!
You can visit our website at www.piecemakersquiltguild.org for information about our group. Left image is "Imaginary Day by Pat Sprecher. Pictured on right: "Winter Wonderland" by Deb Endres.
Minimalism - SAQA Global Exhibition
Order. Simplicity. Harmony. Minimalism is line, shape, form, and color combined to simply highlight the very essence of the medium and materials used to create art. Erasing the distinctions between mediums to call attention to the artwork itself, without expectation of emotion or deep meaning. In the words of Frank Stella, “What you see is what you see.” A pure form of beauty. Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. (SAQA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the art quilt: "a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure." Our vision is that the art quilt is universally respected as a fine art medium. SAQA’s core values are: excellence, innovation, integrity, and inclusion. Over the past 35 years, SAQA has grown into a dynamic and active community of over 4,000 artists, curators, collectors, and art professionals located around the world.
Minimalism Photo Credit: 1) Michele Hardy - "Circles #34", 2) Polly Bech – "Convergence", 3) Kathy York – "Conversation", 4) Hope Wilmarth - "Edge of Space"
My Belief - Stretching Art and Tradition 26
In difficult times, we often reach for family, friends, and/or faith. From 2004-2009, National Public Radio aired a series of essays written on the theme “This I Believe”. Ordinary and extraordinary people from all walks of life wrote in to share an essay on their beliefs. This project was a powerful exploration of creating connection and sharing through the medium of writing.
In the spirit of creating connection and sharing, Susan and I invited artists to create a piece inspired by the “This I Believe” project. “This I Believe” invited people to write about the core beliefs that guided their daily lives. We invited you to create a work of fiber art 24” wide by 36” tall that expounds on your guiding belief(s). We encouraged you to choose a few essays to listen to on the website to explore the diversity of beliefs shared as you searched for inspiration for your project. And of course, we encouraged you to stretch yourselves by trying something new. For more information on the “This I Believe” project, see https://thisibelieve.org/. Pictured: "All of These" by Bobbe Shapiro Nolan.
Mystery Quilt Shop Hop 2026 - Sponsored and Curated by Stitch Central
The 4th year of the Mystery Quilt Shop Hop was a smash hit with an all-time high number of participants. 7 local quilt stores participated to make this wonderful event 10 days in April 2026. We are so lucky to have had so many gorgeous quilts for the exhibit and hope you join us next year on the Mystery Quilt Shop Hop. Pictured: lower right Marlene Reasoner, upper right Nancy McKay, lower left De O'Brien, upper left Aliyah Sjoberg.
Not all those who wander… - Central Jersey Modern Quilt Guild
Central Jersey Modern Quilt Guild invites you to explore journey, curiosity, and creative discovery through quilting. This modern quilt exhibit features mini quilts using the 2026 Kona color of the year, Wander and is inspired by the prompt, “What does wander mean to you?”
Guild members interpret wander as movement, growth, reflection, play, and possibility – expressed through bold design, modern techniques, and personal story telling. Together, these intimate works celebrate color, imagination, and the many paths that inspire us to roam.
Princeton Sankofa Stitchers Modern Quilt Guild
Established in 2016, the Princeton Sankofa Stitchers Modern Quilt Guild (PSSMQG) grew from an informal gathering of African American women dedicated to the art and fellowship of quilting. Their evolution from a small circle of enthusiasts to a formalized guild is a powerful example of how a shared passion can build a community.
The name "Sankofa Stitchers" is deeply intentional. Derived from the Akan people, "Sankofa" signifies the wisdom of "going back and get it"—honoring the lessons of the past to build a vibrant, secure future. This philosophy is woven into the guild’s identity, blending tradition with modern expression. At its core, the guild operates on the principle of "Each One, Teach One." This reflects a collective commitment to:
•Education: Sharing skills and techniques across generations.
•Preservation: Maintaining the rich heritage of African American quilting.
•Cultural Exchange: Weaving African American experiences into the broader, diverse tapestry of the global quilting community.
By affiliating with The Modern Quilt Guild, PSSMQG continues to expand its expertise and connect its members with an international network of artists, ensuring their cultural legacy remains both honored and evolving.
Quilters' Choice - Quilters of the Round Table
QRT was founded in 1993 with a focus on uplifting the African American contributions to the quilting art form. The QRT logo (North Star) and its motto (Each One, Teach One) reflect the guild’s commitment to share love of sewing, quilting, and quilts. This year QRT will display quilts in three categories: (a) quilter’s choice; (b) quilt offerings from our 2025 blue and white quilt challenge; and (c) selections from our featured guild member, Cassandra Stancil Gunkel. Her quilts are reflections on the theme “Cultural Approaches to Quilting”. The image show is "The Ancestors Kept Calling Me Back by Cassandra Stancil Gunkel ."
Quilts of Philadelphia Modern Quilt Guild
The Philadelphia Modern Quilt Guild (Philly MQG) is a chapter of The Modern Quilt Guild. Members meet to share their love of modern quilting and activities focus on modern quilting aesthetics and techniques. According to The Modern Quilt Guild: “Modern quilts are primarily functional and inspired by modern design. Modern quilters work in different styles and define modern quilting in different ways. ‘Modern traditionalism’ or the updating of classic quilt designs is also often seen in modern quilting.” Contact us at phillymodernquiltguild@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Philadelphia Modern Quilt Guild or Instagram at Philly MQG for more information.
Secret Garden - AQuA
The Art Quilt Association members explore what creates their perfect secret garden. Is it the hidden entrance? A secret urban oasis or one that requires a hike to a favorite wild meadow? Is it the special peace of a reflecting pool or trickle of water that soothes us and the birds, wildlife, faeries, and ogres alike who sneak in? is it nature’s unexpected display secluded from the chatter of the outside world? Or is it the promise of summer beauty in the depths f winter? Or perhaps just the joy of digging into the soil that supports these flower and plant strewn places? So many secrets for AQuA to share.
Sisthas Doing Their ThANg - Sankofa Artisans Guild
Sisthas Doing Their ThANg" is a radiant declaration of freedom, where Black women claim space to create from their souls. This exhibit features works by members of Sankofa Artisans Guild, a Philadelphia-based collective founded by Black women who cherish heritage, craft, and community. Their art speaks with unguarded honesty, weaving memory, ancestry, and truth into lines, colors, and textures. Each piece invites viewers to witness, reflect, and feel the healing power of authentic self-expression. Honoring women's dignity, ingenuity, and transformative art, this exhibit moves beyond words. Pictured on right is "Sisters" by Nzinga Brenda Shields.
Split Image Project / Threads of the Heart Project - Talk Ten Travels
Split Image Project: In April 2025, an independent volunteer selected a digital photograph by California photographer Lee Decker from the Escondido Arts Partnership Photo Arts Group website (with Mr. Decker’s consent). The photograph was digitally split into two halves: six members received the left half and six the right. Each artist was asked to create an 18" x 18" textile imagining the unseen portion of their half. The artists sent an image of their respective art textile to the volunteer, who compiled the images into a PowerPoint presentation “reveal” for our September 2025 TalkTen Zoom meeting. In the presentation, the art textiles were showcased, both as individual works, as well as diptychs that the volunteer created using his best judgment in pairing the left and right interpretations that were most complementary. After later reviewing the recording of the Zoom meeting and the PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Decker writes, "The fabric pieces that the artists created were quite amazing and I was impressed with their creative interpretations of the photograph. … I so enjoyed your presentation and the discussions that followed; they were endlessly fascinating. I want to thank the artists for their careful consideration of my work.” Pictured: "Split Image" by Susan Peterson and "Fractured" by Susan Lazear
Threads of the Heart Project: As a companion project this year, members created 18” x18” art textiles inspired by the heart motif of the artist Jim Dine. Beyond the size requirement, there were no restrictions, resulting in a series of works that reflect strikingly different interpretations of this universal symbol. Picture:
"Heart" by Marty Ornish
Story Time - Fantasy Collection - Cherrywood Challenge 2026
Connection. Imagination. Nostalgia. From beloved childhood tales to personal narratives told through fabric and thread, every quilt shared a unique story. In reviewing the entries, the jurors focused on quilts that reflected thoughtful interpretation of the theme and excellent technique and workmanship. To honor the spirit of the challenge, they chose quilts that expressed the maker’s creative storytelling through fabric and design.
What Remains - 20 Perspectives
What remains after the meal has been eaten, the clothes wear out, the leaves have fallen or the snow has melted? What remains the day after the storm, the terrorist attack, or the fire? What do broken tiles, desolate landscapes, a skeletal cactus and burnt trees tell us about what life was like before? In this exhibition we explore the fragments that are left behind as time moves on. All that remains are memories, some treasured, some sad, of what has been. Pictured: "Aftermath" by Phyllis Cullen
While On Vacation - Quilts by Mary Anne Fontana
Pictured above: "Windmills", "Capuchin Monkey Standing on Leaf", "The Boatmaker ll", "The Alcazaba Quilt"
While on Vacation blends my love of taking photographs while traveling with my love of making quilts when at home. Come explore my favorite snapshots transformed into quilts. All original images. Computer manipulated. Commercially printed on wholecloth cotton. Enhanced with thread, paint & markers.
Wall quilts were created from the larger, pictorial quilts. Each was free motion quilted with thousands of yards of thread. The smaller images of birds & animals were machine quilted then cut away from the background scenery, mounted & stitched on a second quilted background, then stretched on canvas creating a “frameable” piece of art.
Wild Things - TAVA (Textile Artists of Virginia)
Extravagant, impressive, and awe-inspiring, amazing colors and textures, breaking free of constraints! In general, it is something that is fun and causes excitement. Persons, places, animals, plants, things, behaviors, etc., can all be defined as "wild." In each of us lies a dormant force waiting to be awakened.
The Textile Artist of Virginia implemented texture, patterns, and a lot of imagination to show that bounds are only limited by the reach of our minds.
Pictured: "It's the Eyes" by Carol Monti