Quilts that are hung in exhibitions are not hung by mistake. A great deal of thought and effort has gone into getting them hung on that wall, especially if there is a ribbon hung beside them. |  |
If you have been considering entering a quilt into an exhibition, there are many aspects to think about. Over the next few weeks I will be discussing the basics, and some of the 'hidden' issues that are easy to overlook.
First is the question of entering an exhibition. Ideally you will have opportunities with a local quilt club or guild to enter quilts to be shown. This is good place to start as all shows have deadlines to meet and category placements to decide.
Local guild or club shows often will attempt to hang all the quilts offered. (as space allows) If you have the opportunity to volunteer as a helper at a local exhibition, you will learn a great deal about quilt types.
With larger shows such as mini symposiums, full symposiums or particular challenges such as the Hoffman challenge, quilts may and often will be rejected. (I have entered competitions where more than half of the entries were refused!)
Rejections are normal, and impersonal. When seven hundred quilts are on offer and room for only three hundred, someone has to make those hard choices.
If your quilt, which represents a 'part of you' did not meet the standard in some way. Take heart, for there are more than one venue where your creation might perform stronger. I have had quilts rejected in one show only to win a prize in the next.
All entry exhibitions have rules. ALWAYS follow the rules. Don't expect the organisers to smile at your decision to just guess at the quilt size or to send photos when it suits you. Respect the guidelines established.
Does the quilt you intend to enter meet the criteria? Can you meet the deadline? Is it within the specified sizes? Is the entry fee for your entry or the return postage acceptable to you? Read everything pertaining the entry rules. Make sure you clearly understand them and putting an entry in will go much smoother.
Okay, you have decide where you intend to enter a quilt, you are sure you meet the criteria described...you can comply with all the expectation of the organisers. Now what?
Next blog on this topic will be "The presentation of the quilt".
First is the question of entering an exhibition. Ideally you will have opportunities with a local quilt club or guild to enter quilts to be shown. This is good place to start as all shows have deadlines to meet and category placements to decide.
Local guild or club shows often will attempt to hang all the quilts offered. (as space allows) If you have the opportunity to volunteer as a helper at a local exhibition, you will learn a great deal about quilt types.
With larger shows such as mini symposiums, full symposiums or particular challenges such as the Hoffman challenge, quilts may and often will be rejected. (I have entered competitions where more than half of the entries were refused!)
Rejections are normal, and impersonal. When seven hundred quilts are on offer and room for only three hundred, someone has to make those hard choices.
If your quilt, which represents a 'part of you' did not meet the standard in some way. Take heart, for there are more than one venue where your creation might perform stronger. I have had quilts rejected in one show only to win a prize in the next.
All entry exhibitions have rules. ALWAYS follow the rules. Don't expect the organisers to smile at your decision to just guess at the quilt size or to send photos when it suits you. Respect the guidelines established.
Does the quilt you intend to enter meet the criteria? Can you meet the deadline? Is it within the specified sizes? Is the entry fee for your entry or the return postage acceptable to you? Read everything pertaining the entry rules. Make sure you clearly understand them and putting an entry in will go much smoother.
Okay, you have decide where you intend to enter a quilt, you are sure you meet the criteria described...you can comply with all the expectation of the organisers. Now what?
Next blog on this topic will be "The presentation of the quilt".
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