If you love quilts, Oliver’s Quilts and Beyond show is the quilt-essential place to be. The event runs on April 14 and 15, 2023 at the Oliver Community Centre, 6359 Park Drive.
The Double O Quilters have hosted this quilting show every three years and drawing hundreds of people from all over the province for the last 30 years.
The two-day show includes demonstrations, a silent auction on several quilted artworks and other products, public voting, and sales of quilting supplies. There are also refreshments served in the “cafe” area.
This year Quilts and Beyond includes a special challenge section for participating artists. This year the theme is “Rainbow”, with contributed works including various interpretations in colour, form, and abstract interpretations. The finished works will be a surprise, both to other guild members as well as the public. These Rainbow Challenge entries have their own voting and special awards.
Quilts range in size from enormous king-size bedspreads to small banners, table toppers, linens, and accessories. Everyone can enjoy the colour palettes and patterns without needing to be a quilter or sewer. Artistic talent abounds, with some national and international award winners entering the show.
Admission is by donation. As an extra incentive for donating, every visitor will receive a small felted heart with a message on them a souvenir.
Among the many quilters that will be in attendance at the show will be Colleen Baptiste who works in human resources at the Osoyoos Indian Band teaching homemaking and life skills. In her free time she enjoys trying out new creative quilting skills.
She joined the Double O Quilters 25 years ago, and ever since she has been creating quilted comforts for her three children, two grandchildren and friends.
About 15 years ago, she created a block representing the Okanagan Nation for the internationally acclaimed Quilt of Belonging, and she has been making the annual SOSS Grad Award quilt from the Guild for the last 14 years. She particularly enjoys the camaraderie of the guild.
Quilts & Beyond will take place Friday, April 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oliver Community Hall on Park Drive. Entry to the event is by donation.
