NEWS FROM THE AAQI

Last week Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative contributors received news that executive director, Ami Simms, is retiring and the AAQI will be suspending operations at the end of 2013.  My thanks to everyone in the guild who has donated or purchased AAQI quilts over the past 6 years.  If you have not donated or purchased an AAQI quilt yet, there is still time!  The AAQI has set a goal to reach $1,000,000 before the end of 2013, so there is much work to be done!  You can help by making and donating Priority: Alzheimer’s quilts up until AUGUST 1, 2013.  You can also help by purchasing a Priority:  Alzheimer’s quilt!  Quilts can be purchased on the AAQI website until DECEMBER 30, 2013.

 

For more information visit http://aaqiupdate.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/sprint-to-the-finish/

 

Cock-a-Doodle-do Congratulations

Congratulations to Barbara A., the winner of the Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild's Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative Polka Dot and Plaid For Progress Competition!  Barbara was inspired to make her quilt, Cock-a-Doodle-do, by her neighbor's fancy chickens that crow all day long!  Her quilt was dedicated to her in-laws who both suffered from Alzheimer's symptoms in their final years.
 

Polka Dot and Plaid for Progress

The Polka Dot and Plaid for Progress Priority: Alzheimer's quilts have been registered and shipped off to the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative!  My sincerest thanks to all those who submitted a quilt for donation!

12214 - Daisy Triangle by Nancy Cooledge
12215 - Cock-a-Doodle-do by Barbara Allis
12216 - Little Flag by Lynn Grant
12217 - Flowers Of Hope by Dianne Kuhns
12218 - Sailing by Carol Barvinski
12219 - Home Is Where The Heart Is by Peggi Jo Smith
12220 - Let's Twist by Peggi Jo Smith
12221 - Dare To Be Different by Kathy Plumley
12222 - One Lucid Moment by Nancy Sidell
12223 - Happy by Deb Dom
12224 - Falling In Love by Deb Dom
12225 - Dotsy Doodle by Peggi Yacovissi
12226 - End Of Summer by Donna Runyan
12227 - Ripple Effect by Susan McConnell
12319 - Polka Dots, Pleats & Plaids by Sylvia Wynkoop

To learn the status of a quilt, click on the registration number to visit each quilt's webpage on the AAQI website.

Most quilts are offered for sale on a first come first served basis.  If you would like to purchase a particular quilt, check the quilt's status regularly so that you know when it is offered for sale.   

Polka Dots and Plaid for Progress Entry Deadline Approaching!

Are you working on your Alzheimer's Art Quilt for the guild's exhibit? Opening night is just around the corner and deadlines are looming! Competition quilts need not be about Alzheimer's or any particular subject at all, but the quilts must contain at least one polka dot fabric and one plaid fabric. Any theme, style, color, technique and ability are welcome! You can find all the details and links to the registration forms on the guild’s website under the Exhibit tab. (http://www.mountainlaurelquiltguild.org/Alzheimers.pdf) 

Finished quilts accompanied with a completed Priority: Alzheimer’s Quilt Project registration form must be handed in to Susan Mc. before or on Monday, August 20, 2012. Registration forms can be found and printed at http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-40258611477147/Goddess.pdf 

Things to remember from the AAQI:

1. What’s in a name? Plenty! “Hummingbird #47″ won’t sell as well as “Hang On, Little Bird.” It’s fine to make quilts in a series, but when you do, know that we can’t price them as high as “one-of-a-kinds”. PLEASE name them differently.

2. Why do I have to write an Artist Statement? Because they sell quilts. We hope our art speaks to the souls of all who behold them, but sometimes they need a little help. Words about why or how you made the quilt, or what you hope it will accomplish motivate shoppers to purchase your quilt. If you can’t think of 15 words that will reach out to a potential buyer, they will think you don’t care about your own work to make a comment about it. And they will reach out for another quilt. Artist statements make a huge difference!

(Need ideas for what to put in and artist statement?  Read some artist statements from the AAQI quilts sold by Michele Bilyeu or Julie Sefton)

3. We’re not kidding about the size limits. Honest. If your quilt is more than 9″ x 12″ we won’t accept it. ANYTHING out of the ordinary makes the jobs of our volunteers more difficult; why would we want to do that?!

4. We love what you do! It is such a joy to see the amazing talent coming our way in support of the AAQI’s mission. Your art takes my breath away, brings me to tears, makes me laugh, and continues to inspire me. I have held every single quilt you have made, all 11,000 plus of them. I still can’t believe that you would give so generously of your time and talent to help the cause. Every donor, every buyer is a blessing! Please know how much you are appreciated! Together we are making a difference!

Learn more about the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative at  www.alzquilts.org