Celebrate 100 Issues of Quilting Arts with Us!

The August/September printing of Quilting Arts Magazine represents a milestone: it is a celebration of our 100th issue! As with each issue, techniques are explored and profiles of leading artists and galleries abound. But this issue goes beyond contemporary art quilting and takes a look at the impact Quilting Arts Magazine has had on the art quilting community by reflecting on the growth of the art quilting genre through the memories and words of our contributors. Here’s what some of our frequent contributors had to say about this very special publication.

“Congratulations on 100 issues! Quilting Arts has been with me from the very beginning of my public art career. I was inspired from the start by Patricia (Pokey) Bolton’s vision and the breadth of her showcase. So many of the great influences on my career were first brought to my attention through these pages that I can’t imagine my career without QA! My sincerest thanks to all who have made this publication so wonderful through all the years it’s been around.”
Lyric Montgomery Kinard

“Quilting Arts gave us permission to explore and experiment. The entire art quilt community is a richer place because Quilting Arts allowed us to share with one another.”
Martha Sielman

“Quilting Arts has had a huge impact on my artistic life as a contributor and an avid reader. It has pushed me to break through the norm and seek to break through boundaries, to push myself to the next level. I have grown and evolved in my art as a result. The bonus to be part of a community of artists between the pages of the magazine, “Quilting Arts TV,” Make it University, Open Studios, and Surviving the Runway.”
Jamie Fingal

“I’ve run into readers of my articles in Australia, Canada, and all over the United States and immediately feel that I’ve found fast friends because we all share a love of experimenting and learning and growing. Quilting Arts has sparked ideas for new techniques and materials that I’ve incorporated into my own work, or sometimes suggested an avenue to explore with the inspiration of a beautiful photo or a challenge. Quilting Arts helps me keep my (paint-covered) fingers on the pulse of the art quilt world!”
Jane Davila

“I started quilting in 2001 using very traditional techniques. I found my first copy of Quilting Arts Magazine at the newsstand a few years later. I was immediately hooked by the colorful pages and inspired by the how-to techniques described inside. I’ve subscribed ever since. I read every issue, tearing out and saving pages that excite my creativity. QA gave me permission to follow my passion, abandon my traditional ways and become an art quilter and teacher.”
Nanette Zeller

“A quilter in my guild introduced me to Quilting Arts in 2006 when her journal quilt was published. I was so impressed with the magazine; I ran out and bought my first copy and became obsessed with all things QA. For years, my favorite part of the magazine was the Reader Challenges. They encouraged me to think outside of my small box. I submitted many pieces, and although none were ever published, I am grateful I tried. Each piece helped me become a better artist. Today, I look forward to sharing and learning new techniques through Quilting Arts.”
Lisa Chin

“In early 2006 I was at King’s, the only place to stock magazines on San Juan Island. I picked up the second issue of Quilting Arts and as soon as I got home I telephoned to subscribe. Pokey answered the phone in her office—then in the in-law’s barn. Five years later QA published my artwork for the first time ever, and the next year I wrote my first article. Quilting Arts inspired and set me on the path to a career in art quilting. I delight in seeing my friends’ art and articles in QA, and am forever grateful to everyone involved. Here’s to the next hundred issues!”
Sarah Ann Smith

“I’m always looking for new techniques to add to my toolbox. For me, making art is the joy of the puzzle, figuring out how to say what I want to say in a visual way. So, when an issue of Quilting Arts shows up in my mailbox, I know there will be new ideas, new materials, and new techniques to add to my artistic problem-solving almanac. It never fails to inspire exploration and innovation—thank you Quilting Arts for all you share.”
Lisa Thorpe

“Over the years since the first issue Quilting Arts has provided inspiration in the form of visual eye-candy, beautifully photographed “how tos,” a bit of humor here and there, and many Reader Challenges. I’ve been fortunate enough to have my work, an article or two, and even “the last word,” published in different issues over the years. Believe it or not, I even had a handmade tiara published (and it looks great on my resume!). In the world of contemporary quilt art in all its forms, Quilting Arts has offered a bit of something for every artist. I know it has certainly inspired me!”
Leslie Tucker Jenison

“From my first contact with founder, Pokey Bolton, around issue 10, to my most recent article in issue 98, Quilting Arts has been a driving force in my artistic and professional growth. Quilting Arts is pure inspiration as well as a home for my own outside-the-box approach to fiber art, art quilting, and mixed-media. With the continued encouragement and support from the Quilting Arts team, I am always inspired to do my creative best. The cherry on top is that I, in turn, am able to encourage, inspire, and instruct countless others to find, trust and share their own artistic vision.”
Lesley Riley

All these kind words about Quilting Arts Magazine make our hearts sing! Don’t forget to get your copy of the 100th issue today! Enter the sweepstakes for the 100th issue for your chance to win awesome prizes.

Here’s to another 100 issues!