I left this web site and blog up so people could view the quilts. This will bet taken down the end of the year.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas and that 2014 brings the many things life has to offer and you embrace the good and bad.

Many thanks to you all

Garnet

Thank you Everyone!!!

 When I received a email about a Russian site showing Quilts in 2006 the idea of bringing quilts and quilters from different parts of the world to share their wonderful works of art and culture was born.

It has been so rewarding to see how these exhibits have impacted so many people.

The first exhibit was held in a small village called Ailsa Craig which show thousands of people come to view the quilts and after three years there we moved the exhibit to London however the village saw the impact this had on them so took the concept as their own to continue this.

I have been honoured to speak at quilt guilds in Canada and different countries. I have stayed with some very wonderful people who shared their homes with us and I will be thankful to them for ever.

It is hard to end this exhibit but family are the most important so they come first.

Thank you everyone for your support.

Warmest regards,

Garnet

Where to go and What to do???

It seems like forever since I last wrote on this blog and the people viewing it keeps growing.

We have a chance to get the Quilt of Belonging here for 2014 and hope you get a chance to view their web site www.quiltofbelonging.ca  We would also have over 100 quilts from different native groups all over Canada.

Going on is a tough decision to make. The past few years have been somewhat difficult as far as support and people looking to undermine what we have tried to do. We have worked hard since 2007 to bring culture and works of art from different parts of the world to our part of the world and this has been very rewarding plus others have copied our format so even more culture have come here.

Over the next couple of weeks we will decide if the London International Quilt Festival will go forward.

Thank you everyone for your support.

Where to begin on this AMAZING EXHIBIT!!!!!

The exhibit that just finished was just wonderful from start to finish.  The quilts and quilters from Africa reflected the spirit and culture of the countries from which they came with the amazing works of art that all quilts are.

We had the most amount of non quilters attend this exhibit that we have ever had and they came away with a different view of quilting. We had quilters from all over Ontario and Northern USA come to share the art of quilting.

I am looking forward to bringing quilts from different parts of the world to share culture and spirit with the world. We feel this exhibit can only get bigger as we expand the art and the knowledge of Quilting as a art from expression of the countries that we have.

Thank you everyone who came and those that view the blog.

End of next week another start to a great exhibit.

Please visit kenayquiltguild.wordpress.com to see close to 60 pictures of the quilts

Last Day today

Hello,

Everyone please go to the Kenyan quilters site they have posted pictures from the exhibit. 60 plus to be exact.

Thank you everyone for viewing this blog I will write a little story about the exhibit what it means and where we will go from here next week.

Garnet Smalley

Half Way Mark

Well we are going into day three tomorrow of a four day exhibit. This is the best exhibit we have ever done. The venue is great with lots of space for everyone to view the quilts even when it is very busy which it was all day.

We have had TV and 4 different newspaper stories, we got into the Toronto Sun !!!

This is the kind of coverage quilting needs so more people understand just how great these works of art both from away and nearer to home. Today we had more non quilters come then ever before which has them all saying what great works of art these are or as I hear so often Who knew?

I hope that we will be able to continue bringing quilts from other countries for many years to come so the next two days are so important because we need to make sure the resources are there to go forward.

Almost Here!!!

I just want to write one last blog before the exhibit. Hard to believe that this is almost here. I did 34 trunk shows over the course of the past 10 months plus talks at other different venues. We have had newspaper stories, tv coverage, and magazines do stories about this exhibit and the how these are works of art with the bonus of sharing the culture of the countries from which they come.

It has been a different kind of journey getting ready for this exhibit with the new social media facebook and this blog have been given a whole new way to connect with so many people from different parts of the world. I have had close to 7,000 people view the blog which for a 8 track guy is amazing.

We hope to report during the exhibit that the crowds were large as having 8 to 10 quilters travel to share their wonderful works of art as well as the people who sent us their works here for us to admire.

Every year my greatest worry is that not enough people will come to see the exhibit. I pray that everyone who can will make the effort to attend what is going to be one of the most incredible cultural events we have presented.

Getting the Word Out!!!

I thought I would share what kind of  coverage we are getting this week. I was on Rogers Tv yesterday so if you go to www.rogerstv.com  then go to London Ontario they have a clip of the interview. If you go online to beatmagazinelondonontario then go summer issue page 8 is a story. The London Community news issue is coming out June 6th with a story. The Londoner weekly newspaper is coming today to do a interview. The Link magazine is calling today to set-up a interview. London Free Press is coming this week also.

We were at the local Mosque on Saturday for their culture days which was packed with people, so quite a bit of interest in the quilts and the stories. Posters are now going up around the city. Tourism London has us on the web site.

All the plans are coming together and we can't wait for the quilters to arrive here. We just received the list of local press so will be sending a email every other day to remind them of the preview evening June 11th. So much left to do but Wednesday morning at 10 all will be where it should be.

All you coming to shop. This is going to be a very interesting vendors mall African fabric, embellishments, great thread, sewing machines to try, long arm to try and fabric to buy!

Is it Just me???

I write this blog as more of a information sharing about the exhibit and how much it is about culture and people getting together to enjoy the wonderful works of art so this one is different.

Most of the readers of this blog will belong to groups so here is what happened and please comment as I really want to know if I am off base here.

The week of the exhibit a local guild is having a year end dinner so I called to say that I had quilters coming from Africa during that week and that it might be nice if they could attend the dinner I was told it was for members only.

I was totally taken back by this as I do understand the members only this is truly a one off chance for everyone. What would your guild do?

Lanark Quilt Guild Trunk show Number 34!!

The last trunk show is now in the books. I had a lovely time form start to finish. Dinner with two lovely ladies, evening of sharing the quilts with a great group of people. We did get to see a couple of quilts that I hadn't looked at but wanted to see them for the first time with a group, that way we can all go WOW!  Then woke up to bacon and eggs, Life is good!! Couple I stayed with were very nice hosts.

Crazy times ahead, TV interview, newspaper interview, magazine interview, painting racks, making backdrops, getting everything in place for the exhibit. Not long now!

Taking Shape and Coming Soon

Lets have a little look at what the next two weeks will bring as we look to exhibit one of the most amazing exhibits so far. The over 125 plus quilts we have so far are wonderful works of art reflecting not only the culture and spirit of the people but the great talent. We received a email from the Nigerian quilters and the embassy is in the process of getting the visa's. The ten quilts from the Tentmakers arrived yesterday and we have posted a picture with this blog. The classes are starting to fill and what a chance to take classes with so skilled a group. Really a once in a lifetime chance. The lecture is going to be a real learning experience as the lecturer has so much knowledge.

Starting Saturday we will have a busy day at the local market showcasing a few of the quilts, last trunk show in Perth at the Lanark Quilt Guild, interview with local newspaper on Thursday, sort all the items coming for the vendors mall. This is a vendors mall for all.

This exhibit has been a long time in coming and yet seems to be rushing at us with lightning speed.

Will post at little story and picture from the market.

 Mohsen

Al Farouk Shop:  Crenelated centre, Romy and Islamic Multicolours on Navy

African Week May 21st to 25th 2013 Cotton-By-Post

We are going to have a selection of Quilts here in the shop  that will be on display at the exhibit June 12th to the 15th 2013. This is like a trailer for the movies which means everyone that gets to see some of the quilts will be sharing and coming to the exhibit for sure. We will have some items for sale all from Africa. The panels are just striking and great prices. I will post a picture and do a few over the next little while. If you were even thinking of attending this exhibit but not to sure. please give yourself a gift, plan on coming as you will thank yourself. We have the panels and beads used in this quilt for sale.

Bride to Be  by Charu Patel

Goderich and Bayfield Quilt Guilds Trunk Show Number 33

This is the closest trunk show I've done at a guild. I knew quite a few of the members and had a nice time sharing the quilts with the group. Lots of helpers to walk with the quilts so the people at the back get a chance to view the works up close. It is now down to just one guild trunk show before the exhibit!!

It is such a nerve racking time as so much to not only get done, but so many people have put forth so much work to make sure this exhibit is filled with great works need do all we can to have the venue packed everyday.

We will be having Africa week here at the shop next week with small display of quilts plus items for sale from Africa.

Lots of Quilts are here Now!!

We had the pleasure of unloading suitcases full of the works of art that are going to be on display in less then a month!!! Everyone that attends this exhibit is in for an incredible time. The quilts really do speak to you with each one telling a different story. The pieces reflect the love of the culture and spirit of the countries from which they come.

We will be doing a little tease later this week with showing a quilt with story every couple of days to give you just a taste of what we can expect in June.

Please go from the blog to the workshop page to view the amazing once in a lifetime classes we will be having. The classes not only offer the chance to learn different skills but with what these teachers bring a insight into their country. Off to one more trunk show later today then just one more!!

Friends don't let Friends miss this exhibit!!!

Poster Quilt AMAZING!!!!

I know that I should not be so surprized about how the social media works but it always does. I sent out a picture of the poster Suzanne did for the exhibit and so far over 4,000 people have seen it in just over two days. This quilt is just wonderful with the  hand painted fabric, amazing embellishments having spent the last 9 months together I feel it should be mine and it is for sale so it just might be. I saw a quilt in 2008 from Zimbabwe that I would have loved but waited to long to buy it which I regret to this day. I will post a picture of this quilt and tomorrow we will have 4 suitcases full of quilts here for the exhibit. Final steps underway for the Tentmakers Quilts also.

Please share this information about the exhibit with everyone you know because they will thank you for it.   Remember Friends don't let Friends miss this exhibit!!

Grand Quilt Guild Fergus Trunk Show Number 32

Down to the last two trunk shows coming up. They have a lovely venue for their guild meetings and the quilts were happy for the good lighting as they shine with their beauty. The white glove ladies were great so everyone got a good look at the quilts and I know we will see quite a few at the exhibit. Hard to imagine that in less then 5 weeks we will be ready to go. The picture shows the group ready for the quilts

Picture of Quilt and story

Each day just flies by now that we are into the final weeks not months before the exhibit. I just thought that I would share a picture and story of one of the quilts. We do pickup 4 suitcases of quilts at the Toronto airport this weekend.

When Elephants fight its the grass that suffers

An African saying because when the powerful people in  Africa start to fight the end result is poverty, disease, famine for the regular person.

I know that I keep repeating the words Amazing for this exhibit but it truly will be something special for everyone that attends.

 Dianne Bannister

Local Quilts on display in Arts Council Offices

We placed a display of quilts in the London Arts Council offices the other day. They offer this space for local art and we all know quilts are works of art. They will be there for a coup[le of months the off to the Mayor's office for two more months. We can switch them out when ever we want so hope to have a nice variety for the people to really get a better understanding of just how wonderful quilting as a art form is. We are going to be doing a story for the local arts magazine today about the African exhibit so will keep everyone posted. Enjoy the pictures

 Beve Jeffery

 Christine Earl

 Irene Wilson

 Suzanne Agnew

 

Quinte Quilt Guild Trunk Show Number 31

Here is how this day went up at 6, first thing get local quilts to do a display at the London Art Council offices, put up the quilts, then load up the car for the trip to Belleville to do the trunk show. Dinner with two lovely ladies from the guild then off to the meeting. I really enjoyed the meeting with lots of interest in the quilts and what this exhibit is about. It is of course coming to view the wonderful works of art but in so many ways  it is so much more. The classes are unique with a chance for quilters to learn new skills and something about another culture. The lecture is being given by a author of the subject of fabrics from Africa so people will be able to view the quilts with that in mind. Quilters from some of the countries, male quilters from Nigeria, art display from South Africa. Greeters from different areas of Africa that have settled in London dressed in traditional attire. Saturday evening Gala with dinner, music, awards and fashion and the bonus of spending a evening with quilters from different parts of the world. I did finish the day arriving home at 1 in the morning to be up at 6 to start again working on all the things that did doing to make sure most of the bases are covered.

Binbrook Quilt Guild Trunk Show Number 30

I arrived at the meeting place early as I always leave lots of time to make sure I get to the venue, all was quiet so I went to the front opened the door to the sound of the alarms going off throughout the building,. I did wait to see if the police would come to see what was happening but after about 10 minutes the first quilter arrived to me saying I am here top do the trunk show and the door was open I`m innocent. Everyone started to arrive so it was on with the show. It was very nice to see some of the ladies from other guilds that I had spoken at in the autumn, so they got to hear me again so I was glad to have a couple of different quilts as well as more information to pass on. They were a nice group to speak to with lots of interest in the quilts and coming to the exhibit. Off to Belleville Wednesday for number 31!!! 

Thousand Island Quilt Guild Trunk show Number 29

A lovely drive down the 401 to Brockville on a beautiful spring day. I could likely drive the 401 in my sleep. I arrived early and the president of the Legion directed me to the meeting room after a wonderful greeting with a ribbon for me to keep. Every guild has been very welcoming and this guild different. We shared a nice evening with the quilts and they asked for information about the bus trip Howard Travel is offering. I will be in Belleville on Wednesday so will let them know about the bus trip. I do have another trunk show on Monday.in Binbrook. I have heard from the people coming here and they are getting excited. Everyday from here on out is getting ready for this AMAZING exhibit. Remember friends don't let friends miss this exhibit

Guess the New Hot Bed of Quilting!!!

When did Nigeria become the hot bed of quilting? We received another request from Nigeria to attend and exhibit quilts. A totally different group from the other group. I never would of thought this would happen which is exciting we started this for people to get a chance to share their works of art with us that reflect the culture of their country. We get a chance to view quilts from places we might not ever visit. This is what makes getting the word out so important. Remember Friends don't let Friends miss this exhibit. Off to Brockville a few mins. another trunk show.

Rouge Valley Quilt Guild Trunk Show Number 28

Nice to travel in spring weather. It is always nice to be made to feel welcome and if I needed anything they were right there. I started doing the trunk show and about 5 mins in found out the microphone wasn't working but the people at the back were to polite to stop me. White glove ladies did a great job as it is so much better for the people at the back if the quilts make the rounds. The Quilters came up to me at the end to say how much they enjoyed the quilts. I am off to Brockville on Thursday for number 29.  I received a email from another group from Nigeria who want a letter of invitation to come and share their quilts. I would have never thought of Nigeria as a hot bed of quilters.

5,000 plus views and lots going on

Thank you everyone who has viewed the blog. Who would have thought that a 8 track guy would ever do a blog let alone get this many views. We have heard from the Kim Beamish the documentary film maker doing the Tentmakers of Cairo who is coming to Canada for a film festival in Toronto. He will be coming to London May 3rd to do a presentation for us on the Tentmakers life and works. I now need to get a venue plus the word out to everyone so they can plan to attend, I do hope that this works out as London is a bit difficult spread the word. Two trunk shows this week and need to meet with a few people to go over the details for the exhibit. Will post tomorrow as off to Whitby later today.Trunk show to their guild.

Kempenfelt Quilt Guild Trunk Show Number 27

Another great trunk show. I have posted a picture of my chair. I felt very special. They are a nice group and when I said I hoped everyone would be able to attend this exhibit, one lady spoke up and said it would be terrible if everyone didn't make a effort to come view their quilt,s after all how would we feel if we went there and people didn't attend. I couldn't agree more so am looking forward to the people coming to share their love of this wonderful art form.

Metro Detroit Quilt Guild Number 26

Once again the Quilt Gods are with me. Crossed the border and returned no problems. You would think that after 26 times of showing the quilts you might get a little tired. I find the response at each and every guild to be exciting so the feeling of excitement never leaves me. The ladies asked questions about the exhibit and what they can expect when they come. I think we will see quite a few coming to Canada to see another part of the world.  Off to Barrie today to show the quilts to another quilt guild.

Busy Week Coming Up. The Usual!!

The week really started yesterday with setting up a display at the market in downtown London. It was a interesting day as one never knows what to expect. People were very interested in the quilts and their stories but mostly the beauty and workmanship were the highlights. I feel very lucky to have two wonderful people come with me to help. It is hard to express thanks to Beve and Irene for all that they have done from the very start of bringing quilts from around the world. Never a exhibit has come and gone where they weren't there every step of the way. So Thank you to you both because I know you get this blog. I am doing a trunk show in Detroit tomorrow then Barrie on Thursday. We are going to sending out all the information to guilds as our final mailing this week so they can update their members, plus remind them about the exhibit

Invitations going out this weekend!!

We just finished writing of invitation for the quilters in Nigeria. We also sent a invitation to the Nigerian Embassy in Ottawa to attend the Saturday Gala dinner. We have invited all the Embassies from the countries  involved . I have been looking at the different places that visit the blog and it is reaching quite a few countries around the world. I have never asked a question on this blog site but am surprized at a couple of things and wonder if this happens in other parts of the world. This exhibit is taking place in London Ontario with quilts and quilters from Africa to share their amazing works of art that reflect the culture of the countries from which they come. To say this is going to be something special doesn't really cover it but will have to do.

Why is it that the interest from the local arts council and guilds is not really there? This is a hard one for me to figure out as one would think that having a exhibit like this happening in your backyard is something to get very excited about. Everyone else is.

Kincardine Quilt Guild Number 25

What a great meeting. I must say they run a very interesting meeting with lots going on for the members. They had lots of comments about the quilts and almost ran out of time as there was another group coming in the hall. I would think that we will see quite a few of the guild in June.
I along with my two sidekicks will be doing a display on Sunday at the downtown market in London. I am also going to the embroideries guild later today day to show the class samples. Sending letter to Nigeria tomorrow to make sure the three quilters will be here in June. Lots to do to make sure people know about this exhibit coming here.

Everything Coming Along

Here comes the worries and stress as the exhibit draws closer. We heard from the men in Nigeria and are now working on the letters of invitation which need to go to them, Canadian embassy in Nigeria as well as the Nigerian Embassy in Canada. Three male quilters are planning on coming from Nigeria to bring their quilts and share them with us. I asked if you wanted a table but they want to stand by their quilts to meet everyone that attends the exhibit. I hope that everyone will share the exhibit with every one they know. This exhibit is going to be the most amazing cultural event that London has seen. It is our hope that every quilter and non quilter get a chance to come share in the wonderful works of art, join in making the quilters from Africa feel welcome. This weekend the Kenyan Quilters guild is hosting a exhibit in Kenya which would be great to attend however if you can't make it most of the works will be winging their way to Canada after their show. I am posting a picture from the men in Nigeria because the sent more along. Remember friends don't let friends miss this exhibit.

Sarnia Quilt Guild Number 24

This was my first day and evening trunk show so some of the people heard and saw the trunk show twice in one day. I think that would be interesting as you would see things in the quilts that you hadn't noticed the first time. Suzanne belongs to this guild so it was nice to see some people that I haven't seen in awhile. The evening group was worried that the classes would be full by the time they got home to sign up. Spaces are still available. Off to Kincardine tomorrow, first thing in the morning. Busy month making sure everyone knows about this amazing exhibit.

Pembroke Log Cabin Trunk Show Number 23

Sorry to take so long to get this trunk show up. The trip to this trunk show as very nice travelling along the lakes. The people who billeted me treated me to a lovely dinner and great company. The guild had a good turnout and fun was had by all. We enjoyed a nice night of viewing the wonderful works of art and talking about the culture of quilts. I was surprized to get a phone call will driving with a strange amount of numbers so pulled over to answer and it was Nigeria calling wanting to say three men will be coming with the quilts. Looking forward to this. Off to do a a afternoon and evening trunk show in Sarnia.

Always something Special happens!!!!

We received a email from African Faces Contemporary Art Studio based in Nigeria over the weekend asking to be part of the "Out of Africa" exhibit. As everyone can imagine what our answer was YES!!!

It was the idea from the very first exhibit to give  people a chance to share their works with people that would never get to see these wonderful works of art. It is exciting for us to be able to bring such works of art here for everyone to see.

Remember Friends don't let Friends miss this exhibit!!

Rainbow Country Quilters Trunk Show 22

Well another great time sharing the quilts with the added bonus of having new quilts from Zimbabwe . They were interested in whether we worried for our safety when in Africa and we were so well taken care of and hope one day to return. It is always the little things that make such a difference and getting the lovely gift makes me smile the whole way home. The gift was a flashlight on one end and screwdriver on the other. I am off to another trunk show next week but hope to do another post on Monday with some interesting news. Remember Friends don't let Friends miss this exhibit.

Message from the Quilts

Hello Everyone, A few of us from Zimbabwe arrived in Canada today and are thrilled to find out that we will be going to do a trunk sgow in Niagara Falls this evening. We are happy to be here and hope that we will meet you in London in June. We are a little concerned about about the people we have meet so far very nice but limited in their vocabulary as we have only heard a few words, Wow, Amazing, Wonderful. Garnet says he will show us the falls and meet quiulters this evening. As he said let the good timess roll and friends don't let friends miss this exhibit!!

Busy! Busy! Busy!

We are thrilled to have booked a space at the Covent Market downtown London for 4 Sundays starting in April through till May. This is a high traffic market which will give us the ability to let so many more people know about this amazing exhibit coming to their city in June. I have a trunk show this Thursday in Niagara Falls. I guess I should arrive early enough to take a picture of the Falls for all the people from around the world who visit the blog. This trunk show will be the start of a string of trunk shows over the next four weeks!! Remember Friends don't let Friends miss this exhibt!!!

International Quilting Day THANK YOU

It would be most fitting to say thank you to everyone on this post. We have been blessed to have been able to share quilts from different parts of the world with so many people. I have travelled to many guilds not only in Ontario but different countries and I can tell you the theme is the same. They love Quilting and sharing. The warmth that the quilts and I have received has been terrific. My life has been enriched by having been able to see so many works of art, speak to so many quilters, travel the world, staying with such lovely people. I could go on and on which I have been told I do (In a Good Way) I could never write down the names of everyone and I would be sure to forget someone, So I hope that you know who you are and Please accept my heartfelt THANK YOU!!!! We look forward to bringing the culture and spirit of different parts of the world here for many years to come. Enjoy the day and quilt away!

Hudson Village Quilt Guild Trunk Show Number 21

If you get a chance to visit this village please do. What a beautiful setting. They did alot of work getting the word out about this trunk show and it paid off. They put out close to 80 chairs then added about 30 more which left standing room only. There were people standing at the back of the hall. They collect for the local food bank and a truck was needed to come pickup the donations. It was neat because alot of the people were not quilters so I love to educate people about just how amazing the art of quilting is A couple of men talked to me after the trunk show thanking me because now they would be looking at quilting as art. A bonus for me was the fact that a friend of ours came to see the trunk show and helped me at the booth. She will be coming in June for the whole time.

Common Threads Quilt Guild Number 20

Well another visit to the Ottawa area and once again the quilts spoke volumes about just how great this exhibit is going to be. The ladies asked questions shared a few laughs and if they had half the fun I did, then a good time was had by all. I was lucky to be able to stay with Laurie,the person behind the Country Register in Ontario. As you can see by the picture the lady is reading this and planning her guess for the Km contest offered in the Country Register. The guilds in Ottawa area should have no trouble planning a bus trip to the exhibit because as we all know Friends don't let Friends miss this exhibit!

McComb County Quilt Guild Number 19

It couldn't have started better for this trunk show. I had to cross the border,which is always nerve racking, so the man askes where I am going and why I am coming to the USA which I tell him, to do a trunk show to which he replys Really, then we had a 5 mintute talk about the quilt exhibit, he took a country register informed me he would go to the web site when he got home and hoped to see me in June! Amazing!! I had a great time speaking at this guild again lots of interest and they will work with the Metro Detroit guild to get a bus trip here. I am speaking there in April. I can only pray to meet the same border guard.

Ottawa Valley Quilt Guild Trunk Show Number 18

Just a great time from start to finish. Enjoyed a wonderful dinner with a group from the guild than back to the venue for the trunk show. It was nice to meet some people that I had been emailing as having a face to the name is so much better. The quilts were as usual a big hit and what was really nice is showing a quilt from Gabon to find out Paula had been a member of this guild when in Ottawa. Lots of interest in the classes. A lady who had been at the last exhibit spoke at the end of the trunk show to say what a great time she had and is looking forward to taking all the classes this year (No I didn't pay her to say this):) To end the evening I got another gift which you can see in the pictures. I stayed at a lovely couples home overnight which was so kind of them to make me feel so welcome. I look forward to seeing everyone at the exhibit. The one picture is of Chris and Mr. Chris who will be a vendor in June with these patterns and kits from Ghana for sale.  Remember Friends don't let Friends miss this exhibit!!

Start of a New Month means closer to the EXHIBIT!!

We are going to be so busy until the start of the exhibit. We have 4 cases of quilts coming in May, quilters comng from Kenya, Zimbabwe and Gabon for sure. Confirmed 50 piece exhibit coming from South Africa, 10 Quilts maybe more from the Tentmakers of Cairo. Here is the line up for March, Ottawa Valley Quilt Guild, Mc Comb County Quilters in Michigan, Common Threads in Orleans, Hudson Quebec, Rainbow Quilters guild Niagara Falls. We are working on a couple of other things to let everyone know about this exhibit. This exhibit is going to be our best ever and that is saying something because all the past exhibits have been so  great. Please everyone let all your friends know about this most amazing exhibit. Remember Friends don't let Friends miss this exhibit!

Just have to share!!!

Received a message from Zimbabwe today from Bev Rebelo telling us that one of her quilts is on it's way to Canada. I will post a picture of this quilt on the blog. She is comng in June to teach three days of classes. One of the  many highlights of our trip to Kenya in 2008 was meeting this lovely lady, so anyone luck enough to get into her class is in for a treat as she is very talented. The quilt is called Mr. Leopard and Mr. Buffalo.

We received a message from The tentmakers on facebook with a picture please visit facebook to see this amazing quilt. The Tentmakers of Charuh El-Khiamial and tentmakersofcairo.com We are lucky to have 10 of their quilts coming in June.  Remember friends don't let friends miss this exhibit.

Birthday Trunk Show Yesterday

I had a wonderful birthday yesterday sharing the quilts at a local retirement home. The people really enjoy the quilts and the interaction was great. The quilts really speak to the people. A planned trip to the exhibit for sure. I was able to visit a friend of my Father's which was nice for both of us, as he had fond memories of his friendship with my Dad and given that he died in 1956 speaks alot about him. I have a few trunk shows planned in March travelling quite a bit.

WEB SITE READY!!!!!

This is for everyone who went straight to my blog.The web site is ready!!! We are thrilled to be able to offer a exhibit of such amazing works of art and culture to everyone. Classes like no other which offers a once in a lifetime chance for people. Vendors mall with fabrics and embellishments from Africa.  10 quilts from the tentmakers of Cairo, 50 pieces from art group in South Africa close to 200 quilts on display. Remember friends don't let friends miss this exhibit.

Caledonia Trunk Show Number 17

I don't think that I will ever tire of the effect the quilts have on people. The ladies last evening were just as wonderful as all the other guilds I have had the honour of speaking at. I am struck by the interaction between the quilts and the guild as people really connect with the meaning behind these wonderful works of art. We expect to see many of the guild at the exhibit in June. I have thought that my new tag line will be. Friends don't let Friends miss this exhibit!!

Kemptville Number 16

Well it was a excellent evening at the Kemptville Quilt Guild. It is neat to start the trunk show and watch as gets going as I  have at least 6 ladies going around showing the quilts to everyone in the room which always gets such great comments about the beauty of the quilts. One lady told me it was the best trunk show she had ever seen  I know it isn't me but the wonderful quilts that I get to share with the guilds. What a difficult trip home as I needed to take a picture of my gift so couldn't eat it on the way. It just stared at me the whole way home. A night off until the next trunk sow on Wednesday.

9 boxes of Blocks from Namibia

I don't know when blogging is too much but everytime something exciting happens for the exhibit I figure that everyone wants to know. Well we received 9 boxes that are Hand Carved by Kavango Carvers of Namibia I am going to post a picture of the blocks on this post. I really hope to have more for the exhibit,as we will be selling them starting today as a fair percentage goes right back to the craver.  Please visit their web site www.oshiwa.com. The classes using a few of the blocks will be on the classes section next week. This class will be just one of the amazing classes we will offer that bring the culture here to Canada.A wonderful chance for people to take a once in lifetime class. This exhibit is bringing the culture and spirit here in such a big way. Everyone that comes here will be in for such a treat.

The other picture we took is the view from our dining room window. We thought we would share this because of the amount of people viewing this from such warm parts of the world. I can assure you that it will be warm in June:)