In the early days of America, quilts were largely a utilitarian article born of the need for warm bed coverings or to be hung to seal drafty windows and doors. As the nation grew and prospered, a wider range of materials became available, enabling quilt makers to experiment with more elaborate designs. Since then, quilt making has continued to evolve, with each generation bringing their own ideas about what quilts could be.
Quilting: Telling Stories with Fabric
Not Your Grandma’s Quilt
The National Quilt Museum (NQM) in Paducah, KY truly is a one-of-a-kind place. Opened in 1991 by the publishers and founders of the American Quilters Society, Bill and Meredith Schroeder, the museum quickly began attracting national and international audiences. Although their collection contains quilts made decades ago, they intend to always look to the future and showcase what’s next in the world of textile art. NQM honors today’s quilters and inspires tomorrow’s artists (yes, artists) with rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and innovative programming. Over the years, the museum has curated over 250 exhibitions, served over 90,000 students, and attracted nearly one million visitors. NQM has become America’s premier museum for contemporary quilting. Whether you love quilts or the arts in general, visiting here is a singular experience that will stay with you long after you leave.
Part Museum. Part Art Gallery. All A Must See.
Bonnie Schrock & Becky Glasby don’t just like artistic quilting, they love it… and live it. As the Executive Director of the National Quilt Museum, Bonnie is largely responsible for overseeing the museum’s programming and activations while supporting the curatorial team who manages collections, traveling exhibits, and cares for these one-of-a-kind treasures. As an avid quilter herself, one of her favorite exhibits for visitors to engage with is also a quilt-making contest that draws entries from across the country. New Quilts from an Old Favorite is a national biannual competition to create quilts based on a specific theme.
“Last year's theme was the roaring 20s,” said Bonnie. “Quilters were asked to interpret that era using a traditional block, or pattern, but in a novel fashion. People incorporated improvisational quilting or modern techniques. Some even used pictures or other embellishments that they put in their work to tell their story of the roaring 20s. Our next theme is food, and I can’t wait to see what people will come up with.”
Photo credit: National Quilt Museum
Becky Glasby is the museum’s Director of Learning and Engagement. As a lifelong quilter, she works to educate future quilters and inspire others to love all types of quilting. When she teaches quilting to children and adults, Becky always finds something new and exciting about the art. “Sometimes a student will put in a block backward or upside down or put two nontraditional colors or materials side by side, which results in a look never seen before,” said Becky. “And that’s okay. There is no right or wrong when you’re creating. With quilting, young and old find new ways to express themselves creatively and make things they never thought possible. I love seeing what others are bringing to this art form. We’re learning just as much as we’re teaching.”
A Festival for Fiber Art – AQS QuiltWeek in Paducah
There’s no better proof that quilt making has evolved from a craft of necessity into a true American art form than experiencing the American Quilter’s Society’s QuiltWeek in Paducah. Held every April, this event draws thousands from around the globe to immerse themselves in the world of quilts. In addition to world-class exhibits, guests can get involved in workshops, enjoy lectures, and shop for fabrics, notions, and more. The 2025 event takes place April 23rd through 26th at the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center. Get more information and tickets here.
Photo credit: Fortuna - Roman Goddess of Chance and Fortune by Jean Brueggenjohann, image from the National Quilt Museum
Quilts By Car
Not all quilts are cut from cloth. Barn quilts are also a unique form of art that can be seen and enjoyed along many of Paducah’s rural routes. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, barn quilts were designed to help early travelers navigate their way across the countryside. Farm owners would create these wooden quits using specific colors and shapes to distinguish their property from their neighbors. Think of them as an American version of a European family crest. When here, be sure to travel the Paducah and McCracken County Quilt Block Trail and discover these always different and always distinct treasures for yourself.
More to Explore
Even though Paducah may be known as Quilt City USA, there’s more to Paducah than just terrific textile art. A trip here isn’t complete without immersing yourself in the thriving arts and culture scene. Go beyond the box office and enjoy independent and foreign films at Maiden Alley Cinema, one of only four nonprofit arthouse cinemas in Kentucky. Catch a live performance at Market House Theater or the Carson Center, the latter hosting Broadway performances as well as the Paducah Symphony Orchestra. Finally, peruse a permanent collection of 200 works and a rotation of works from local artists at the Yeiser Art Center.
There’s always something new to see and do in this Creative City! Plan an unforgettable getaway today.