The YEA Award was created and sponsored by Katie & Bobby Masopust, to encourage young people to enter Quilt National. It was originally intended for an artist under age 30. This year there were no artists under age 30 accepted into QN, so eligibility was expanded to entrants in the ‘30-something’ age group.
“Lucky me!” says Themel, “It is with a sense of humility that I accept the recognition, knowing that the sponsors may have liked to give it to a younger person. But I will always cherish the YEA award and my QN experience, and I will definitely encourage young people to explore fiber as an artistic medium.”
The Quilt National exhibition will go on tour for about 2 years, beginning in Athens, Ohio at the Dairy Barn Arts Center May 28 – Sept 5, 2011. At the end of the tour, Kate’s quilt will go home with a new owner. “Dandelion” was sold during QN’s Opening Weekend.
Check out the “Quilt National ‘11” Photo Album on Dairy Barn Arts Center’s Facebook page to see more photos from the show and all the award winning quilts. A complete list of QN exhibitors can be found on the Dairy Barn’s website: http://www.dairybarn.org/quilt/index.php?section=226&page=362
