RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. - With a love of embroidery and an admiration for quilting, Sharon Distler didn't hesitate to coordinate a quilt show as part of the Russellville 175th anniversary June 7-9.
"To me, quilting is a master piece; it's an artwork," Distler said.
In addition to the show, where individuals may show off their family heirlooms and favorite or unusual quilts, an "Old-fashioned Quilting Bee" has been slated for April 11-12 at St. Michael's Catholic Church.
Members of the community or anyone who enjoys quilting is invited to help put together a red, white and blue quilt, which will be displayed and auctioned at the anniversary celebration.
For the last several years, Distler has brought her mother to the weekly St. Michael's Quilting Angels, where at least one quilt each year is pieced for the church's annual silent auction and supper fundraiser in September.
Thought not a quilter - yet - Distler brings her embroidery work and she helps coordinate finding pieces and materials for the quilt projects.
"I love the art form of quilting and the talent that goes into it; the magic they can create," Distler said. "One of these days, I will pick up a needle and get started with it."
Mount Olive Baptist Church also has a quilt guild, which will help in the anniversary quilt project.
Distler is hoping to receive up to 20 quilts to display for the anniversary show.
The quilts will be safely displayed in the middle school gymnasium, near the history museum displays.
Distler hopes those who visit the quilt show in June will reminisce about people and quilts in their past, too.
"Quilts can tell such a story," she said. "There's no run-of-the-mill quilt."
Quilting time
"It's a Quilt Show" will be open to the public for viewing 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. June 8 and noon-3 p.m. June 9, at the Russellville middle school gymnasium.
People's Choice awards will be given in full-size and crib-size categories.
The show is part of the Russellville 175th anniversary celebration in conjunction with the Russellville Engine Show Frog Leg Festival.
Those with quilts to display may contact Sharon Distler at (573) 782-3136.