American Quilter’s Society, the largest quilting membership organization in the world, are coming back to town next week. The AQS QuiltWeek event here in Grand Rapids will run from August 20 to 23 at the DeVos Place.

This is one of the, or, biggest, conventions to come to Grand Rapids. More than 15,000 people are expected to converge on the city to enjoy four days of the best in international quilt and textile artistry. Over 450 quilts will be on display, with more than $50,000 in prizes to be awarded at the event for quilting excellence. In addition, AQS QuiltWeek will be hosting a series of workshops with some of the top talent in the quilt industry and an extensive merchant mart comprised of both local and national vendors.

Included in AQS QuiltWeek’s celebrated exhibits is the SAQA Masters II exhibit featuring 35 quilts from some of today’s top quilting artists. Also on display is the Quilted in Honor traveling exhibit by Island Batik, which supports Operation Homefront, a not-for-profit organization providing financial assistance, food, repairs, and help to the families of our United States service members and wounded warriors in need. Some special show highlights include the famous Quilt of Belonging, an immense, Canadian collaborative work of art, and the Quilts of Aileen Stannis.

Evening events feature world-renowned celebrities presenting their unique spin on fabric, quilting, and life, including dynamic sessions with Sue Nickels and Lyric Kinard. AQS certified quilt appraisers will be available at the event to appraise new or antique quilts for insurance replacement or fair market values from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. There is an appraisal fee of $50 per quilt, payable at quilt check-in.

Admission to AQS QuiltWeek includes access to all special exhibits and the Merchant Mall with more than 200 vendor booths. Hours are Wednesday, August 20, through Friday, August 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, August 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ticket and additional information can be found at http://www.quiltweek.com/grand-rapids or by calling 1-270-898-7903. American Quilter’s Society has also arranged for steeply discounted hotel rates, which can be booked through the http://www.quiltweek.com/grand-rapids website. The event is open to the public.

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