The Selection Process

The entry requirements for Quilt National state that the works must possess the basic structural characteristics of a quilt. Work must be predominantly fiber and be composed of at least two full and distinct layers that are held together with stitches.

All work must be an original design of the entrant, not a copy of a traditional design nor a variation on the original design of another artist. Although traditional design elements may be incorporated, these should be executed in an innovative manner that reflects the individuality of the artist.

Each entry is represented by two 35mm slides: a full view and a detail of the front. These provide the jurors with information about the design and technical characteristics of the work. Preliminary acceptance is granted on the basis of the slides. The final decision, however, is delayed until the work itself has been seen by a jurors' representative. Each Quilt National exhibit represents the collective opinion of the jurors. The three person panel is composed of two established quilt artists and a third member whose expertise is in a related area of contemporary art. Together they view the thousands of entry slides and carefully make their selections. Quilt National '97 juror Jason Pollen noted, "What strikes me deeply is the overwhelming number of quilts which embody a strong point of view, both visually and conceptually. Sometimes humorous, sometimes profoundly introspective, sometimes somewhere in between, the majority speak, sing, shout, or whisper with individual voices, almost all worthy of listening to, as well as looking at."

Overlay 1 by Ruth Garrison shown in QN '95

Home Background Purpose & Philosophy
About the Entrants About the Artists Works in QN '05
About the Dairy Barn Art Quilts in Perspective
Frequently Asked Questions