More than 250 people visited the Riviera Quilters’ 15th Biennial Quilt Exhibition over the weekend of May 16–17, marvelling at the range, variety and artistry of quilts on display.
Riviera Quilters president Melissa Hopley said members were also impressed by the exceptional quality of the works exhibited.
“Even though we frequently see the quilts as they are completed, to see them all displayed at once was just breath-taking,” Ms Hopley said.
“It really shows the skills of our local quilt makers.”
Ninety quilts were featured in this year’s exhibition, with several recognised in category awards.
The Judge’s Choice award went to Ms Hopley, while the Best Use of Colour was awarded to Judy White.
The Kay Heath Encouragement Award for first-time exhibitors was presented to Marianne McVeigh, with an additional encouragement award going to Anne Geary.
Ms Hopley said visitors also had the opportunity to vote for their favourite quilt in the Viewers’ Choice award.
“This year the winner was Judy White for her stunning hand-appliquéd quilt called Windermere,” she said.
A raffle quilt, created by members of the Riviera Quilters, also drew strong interest over the weekend. Colleen Smith won first prize, with Marlene Leonard taking out second.
Ms Hopley said the exhibition required significant effort behind the scenes.
“An exhibition such as this does not happen overnight – it takes a lot of work from many people,” she said.
“Thanks must go to everyone who assisted in the months of planning, the set-up, the two days of the exhibition and the clean-up afterwards. It simply couldn’t happen without a tremendous team effort.”
Riviera Quilters Inc meets on the first and third Saturdays of each month at The Hub in Bairnsdale.
Visitors and new members are welcome, with further details available on Facebook.
