'Stitches-in-Time' opens Thursday

A collection of 120 contemporary and antique quilts from regional artisans will go on display Thursday as the Museum Center at Five Points presents its 12th annual "Stitches-in-Time" exhibit.

Quilts in the exhibit are judged by a panel of qualified quilters from throughout East Tennessee. Among the awards are Best of Show in the following categories: Contemporary Large, Contemporary Small, Duet (Two Person), Group, Antique (1950s and older) and Best Use of Color & Design. A Viewers Choice Award will be decided by those attending the show and given at the close of the exhibit.

Also on view will be this year's Challenge Quilts, in which quilters were asked to use any of the 12 wooden quilt squares installed on barns and places of business in Bradley County as a starting point for their designs.

The six-week run of the exhibit also features weekly showcases of works and a series of Saturday quilting classes and lectures for children and adults. The exhibit closes on March 10.

Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturays. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, students and groups of 12 or more. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month.

IF YOU GO

What: "Stitches-in-Time" quilt exhibit.

When: Thursday-March 10.

Where: Museum Center at Five Points, 200 E. Inman St.

Phone: 423-339-5745

Website: www.MuseumCenter.org.

ROTATING EXHIBITS

These weekly exhibits will be set up in the museum's Lobby Gallery.

Jan. 31-Feb. 4: Grace Garner, Chattanooga

Feb. 7-11: Fran Randolph, Trenton, Ga.

Feb. 14-18: Lora Creasman, Etowah, Tenn.

Feb. 21-25: Theresa Ayers, Greenback, Tenn.

Feb. 28- March 3: Antique quilts from the collection of Deborah Cross, Cleveland, Tenn.

RELATED PROGRAMMING

Reservations and payment must be made in advance. Space is limited.

Feb. 4: "The Art of Quilt Design" with Mary Keasler, 10-11:30 a.m.; RSVP by Feb. 3. In this lecture/demonstration, the nationally known, award-winning Cleveland quilter will talk about her technique for creating quilted masterpieces. Suitable for nonquilters as well. $5 museum members, $80 nonmembers.

Feb. 11: "Learn How To Care and Maintain Your Featherweight Machine" with Stan Pegram, 10 a.m.-noon; RSVP by Feb. 8. An expert's tips for keeping a vintage machine in good working order. $8 members, $10 nonmembers.

Feb. 18: "Basics of Appliqué," with Margaret McLaughlin, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; RSVP by Feb. 15. Beginners class on using appliqué for quilting. Participants will create a small project, learning about color selection and project planning while creating a design with curves, circles, bias strips and overlapping. All materials provided. $10 members, $12 nonmembers.

Feb. 25: "Working With Precuts: Jelly Rolls, Charm Packs, Layer Cakes & More," with Susan Hyder of Hyderhangout Quilt Shop, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; RSVP by Feb. 22. Participants will learn to use precuts to make a wine cozy, hot pads and placemats to adapt to making full-size quilts. $20 members, $22 nonmembers.

March 3: "Get a Grip on Quilting," noon-3 p.m.; RSVP by Feb. 29. Class for children ages 3 and older teaches the basics of piecing, backing and quilting, including practice of machine- and hand-quilting techniques, to make a log cabin potholder, with written instructions for making more at home. Supplies included. $10 members, $12 nonmembers.

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