LIHU‘E — There is no admission charge to view and participate in the Kaua‘i Quilt Show 2023 when the event opens on Friday at the Kaua‘i Society of Artists gallery at Kukui Grove Center.
“There are many different techniques and styles of quilts of all colors and sizes, including Valentine-themed quilts, since the show opens the weekend before Valentine’s Day,” said Lea Ingram, a KSA member and one of the show organizers.
“This year, we have more than 50 quilters who entered about 175 quilts, many of which are available for sale. This is a lot more than we had last year when the show pulled in about 2,000 people — visitors and residents alike — over the course of its run,” Ingram said.
The show runs through Feb. 22, with viewing available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Due to space limitations, about 70 quilts, including the donation quilts, are displayed in the KSA gallery. As quilts are sold, more quilts are put out in the space occupied by the sold quilts, resulting in a dynamic display that changes almost daily. Quilt show attendees can also vote for a Viewer’s Choice award through ballots available from show volunteers.
Last year’s Viewer’s Choice award was earned by Mary Ching, whose “Jungle Road” creation served as the primary advertising piece for this year’s show. Second place was awarded to Liz Thompson. Third place was shared between Maile Bloxom and Toni Wass.
The Friday opening is special with its Meet the Quilters reception that runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“This year is special because Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami plans to attend the reception and speak,” Ingram said.
One of the new facets of this year’s show is the Quilter’s Boutique that will be open in a storefront separate from the gallery. The Quilter’s Boutique will feature all handmade items contributed by Kaua‘i quilters and will only be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Ingram said. Proceeds from the boutique go toward show expenses.
The Quilter’s Boutique hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
In addition to the quilter-submitted quilts, organizers plan to have more than 50 donation quilts, where the sales benefit a nonprofit of the buyers’ choice.
“Last year, the donation quilts brought in $7,000 that directly benefited eight different Kaua‘i nonprofit organizations,” Ingram said.
This year’s list of nonprofits benefiting from the donation quilts include Child &Family Service Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i Food Bank, Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity, Kaua‘i Hospice, Kaua‘i Humane Society, YWCA of Kaua‘i women’s shelter, Kumu’s Cupboard, Toys For Tots Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i Historical Society and Kaua‘i Museum.
The Kaua‘i Quilt Show 2023 is sponsored by the Kaua‘i Quilt Guild, Nene Quilters, Vicky’s Fabrics, Kapaia Stitchery and Discount Fabric Warehouse.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
