Jacqueline de Jonge headlines the event in its 29th year June 5-8.
PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (May 2, 2023) – Nearly three decades since its inception, Pigeon Forge’s A Mountain Quiltfest, slated for June 5-8 at the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, celebrates the stories told through the time-honored art of quilting and textile heritage.
Headlining this year’s event is internationally acclaimed quilting artist from the Netherlands, Jacqueline de Jonge. Sheteaches a daily class, ‘Be Colourful’, as well as a dinner lecture on Tuesday, June 6 at 6 p.m. For more than 30 years, de Jonge has created works of art that inspire quilters around the world. The winner of international quilting awards and the Color Trophy at the 2004 Open European Quilt Championship, de Jonge also is a passionate instructor who shares her love of the craft with her students.
During the four-day event, Jacqueline de Jonge also will showcase a selection of her quilts in the “A Collection of Color Stories” exhibit. This vibrant collection is based on traditional designs with a contemporary twist and was featured at the International Quilt Market and Festival last year. This unique collection is part of the larger free quilt exhibit in honor of Quiltfest’s 29th year.
Quilting experts and beginners gather to tell stories, share their craft and preserve the practice of textile art. In its 29th year, this popular event features 50 classes, seminars and workshops led by 12 of the country’s best instructors including Carmen Geddes, Sue Bouchard, and Brenda Henning. Topics include everything from specific quilt patterns to longstanding and new techniques for machine and hand-quilting. Those interested may register at www.MyPigeonForge.com/event/quiltfest. Availability is limited.
“Each year, Pigeon Forge’s A Mountain Quiltfest is an occasion for quilters, quilt experts, and quilt lovers to exchange ideas and techniques,” said Pigeon Forge Executive Director of Tourism Leon Downey. “It’s a privilege to help keep this piece of Appalachian history and storytelling alive through the art of quilting.”
The event also features a free exhibit where quilts of all kinds are displayed throughout the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge. Open to the public, more than 500 quilts compete for nearly $20,000 in prize money. These works of textile art are accompanied by onsite vendors stocked with quilting essentials and one-of-a-kind accessories. Onsite demonstrations are available daily. The LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge offers free parking for event attendees.
The quilt exhibit and vendor hall hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 6-7 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 8. Admission is free to the quilt exhibit and vendor hall.
Quiltfest patrons also are invited to bring their quilted items to Show & Tell on Wednesday, June 7, for the chance to win prizes. Doors open at 6 p.m.; admission is free. Additional information about Show & Tell can be found in the 2023 Event Program Guide (link needed).
Attendees may submit heirloom quilts for appraisal by Cindy Stuart, an American Quilter’s Society certified appraiser. Stuart will be available for quilt appraisals June 5-8 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. by appointment only on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Stuart at (865) 386-0940 or [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
For more information about Pigeon Forge, visit www.MyPigeonForge.com.
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Media Contact:
Trish McGee