2011 Quilt Challenge

The 2011 Quilt Challenge will be connected with The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative. The Challenge coordinators thought it would be a wonderful way for the group to be creative and give to a wonderful organization at the same time. Bees are challenged to participate 100% in this event.

The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative™ (www.AlzQuilts.org) is a national, grassroots charity whose mission is to raise awareness and fund research. The AAQI auctions and sells donated quilts, and sponsors a nationally touring exhibit of quilts. The AAQI has raised more than $494,000 since January 2006. Ami Simms is the founder of AAQI and whose mother had Alzheimer’s.

There are an estimated 5.3 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease. We believe we can make a difference, one quilt at a time.

Challenge Rules:

• Theme: Nature quilt, must be an original design
• One quilt per person
• Turn in at October 2011 Guild meeting
• Quilt must be donated to the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative
• Alzheimer's Quilts must be no larger than 9" x 12"--No exceptions. Anything that hangs off the quilt (fringe, tassels, cording, handles, feathers, loops, etc.) must not extend beyond the 9" x 12" maximum size allowed. (Must fit in a 9 x 12 postal envelope). Also, please review all rules from the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative at www.AlzQuilts.org. They give examples of how to bind the quilt and other rules on what is accepted by that organization. There are also examples of quilts that have been donated.
  

Austin Area Quilt Guild (AAQG) holds a challenge in off-show (odd-numbered) years. These challenges provide a welcome opportunity for guild members to try out their creativity and skill.

Challenge themes have included:

• 1997 - "Concerto Verde" (Musical theme)
• 1999 - "It's about water"
• 2001 - "Out of the Blue"
• 2003 - "Flower Power"
• 2005 - "Stars of Texas"
• 2007 - "The Recycle of Life"
• 2009 - "Playing with the Color Wheel"