by Lorie Lewis Ham
Reedley is unique in that it has a quilt center, specifically the Mennonite Quilt Center. This month they are having the Kings River Quilt Show. KRL sat down with Marci VanderGriend, manager of the Mennonite Quilt Center, and Sherri Cates, President Kings River Quilt Guild, co-sponsors of the show, to learn more this unique event.
KRL: Can you briefly share what the Mennonite Quilt Center is and how long it has existed?
Marcie & Sherri: The Mennonite Quilt Center is a ministry of the Mennonite Central Committee. We are a non-profit, full-service quilt store with over 3,500 bolts of fabric, long arm services, classes, and more. The Mennonite Quilt Center (MQC) has been at its present location since 1994. Each purchase at the MQC benefits the work of relief, development, and peace-building in over 60 countries around the world.
Quilt from quilt show
KRL: What is the Kings River Quilt Show?
Marcie & Sherri: A showing of local talent from the Kings River Quilt Guild and the Mennonite Quilt Center.
KRL: Will it just be a display or will there be events of some sort as well?
Marcie & Sherri: We will have vendors and demonstrations.
KRL: How many quilts will be on display?
Marcie & Sherri: Two-hundred-and fifty to three-hundred.
KRL: Are there any special ones you would like to mention?
Marcie & Sherri: Becky Haley is our featured artist. She is an art quilter; her quilts are not like traditional quilts you might think of, more like pieces of art to hang.
One of Becky Haley’s quilts, she is a quilt artist and the featured artist for the Kings River Quilt Show. Becky lives in Springville
KRL: Are they all from quilters in Reedley? If not, where all do they come from?
Marcie & Sherri: Quilters are from all over the Valley.
KRL: What is the location, dates, and times for the show?
Marcie & Sherri: The show will be held at the Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church, Sept. 20-21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Becky Haley
KRL: Is there a cost to attend?
Marcie & Sherri: $8 for one day, $10 for a two-day admission.
KRL: Anything you would like to add?
Marcie & Sherri: Food is available for purchase at the show, or enjoy one of the many eateries in downtown Reedley. Downtown Reedley offers the historic quilt walk, the quilt gallery above the Mennonite Quilt Center, and many downtown merchants.
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