by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
This year marks the 15th time the annual Quiltfest has been held in Jacksonville and all but the inaugural edition, which was held in a quilting supply store, have brought people Downtown to see the handmade art created by local and regional quilters.
“We have more than 400 quilts on display this year,” said Quiltfest President Gail Galloway, who has been making quilts for 20 years.
“It gives me a wonderful sense of peace. I just go into my sewing room and create,” she said.
Seven quilting guilds in Jacksonville, Orange Park and St. Augustine are represented at Quiltfest, either by exhibiting work or volunteering to make the show a success.
More than 4,000 people are expected to attend this year from as far away as South Carolina. Some are quilters and others just want to view the handiwork and hours of meticulous labor that go into making a quilt.
Guild member Gay Montgomery said many quilters are retired nurses and teachers. “Most of us started with crochet, knitting or needlework, then graduated to quilting,” she said.
“Knitting and needlework are so bound by rules, but quilting isn’t, and I like the colors,” she said.
Quiltfest 2010 is today through Saturday at the Osborn Center. For hours and ticket information, visit www.quiltfestjax.com.
356-2466