I know where I'LL be ...

... on September 9-11 - at the Greater Flint Art Council’s 16th annual Festival of Quilts. Amazing stuff, here, and if you like quilts, it's the place to be next weekend! Held in different locations thruout Flint, it'll feature themed quilts, demonstrations, raffles, quilt sales, classes, lectures, and more. I try to take it in each year, occasionally with my Mom or DH in tow. Here's a quick synopsis of the various sites and what they'll offer, gathered from a couple recent articles from the kind folkes at Genesee Fun and MLive:

1. Flint Public Library, 1026 E. Kearsley St., Flint
   “The Busy Hands of Quilters” -- Flint African American Quilters Guild
   Flint African American Quilters Guild hosts their 21st Quilting Show in the General Reading Room.
   Sept 11 2 p.m. - Lisa Shepard Stewart of Rahway, New Jersey, guest lectures.
   For more information, call (810) 232-7111, ext. 2131.
   
   
2. Longway Planetarium, 1310 E. Kearsley St., Flint
   “Star Quilts at the Planetarium”
   The 10th Annual Star Quilts at Longway Planetarium features quilts with star blocks, fabrics and space themes created by local quilters. This exhibit continues from noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, and my friend Hazel usually exhibits a quilt here (hi, Hazel!).
   For more information, call (810) 237-3400.
   
   
3. Greater Flint Arts Council, 816 S. Saginaw St., Flint
   “South of the Border” -- Michigan Quilt Artists Invitational
   Curated by locals Mary Andrews and Marty Calhoun, this exhibit highlights the cloths, colors and textures of Latin American fiber art, by Michigan artists. “South of the Border” continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until Oct. 1.
   Sept 10 6 - 9 p.m. - ArtWalk Friday* - enjoy food, beverages, vendors, a book signing and music by local acoustic guitarist Hannah Fralick. This event is also free and open to the community.
   For more information, call (810) 238-2787.
   
   
4. The Lunch Studio, 444 S. Saginaw St., Flint
   “Progressive Patchwork: Eclectic and Eco-Aware Quilts” -- Flint Handmade
   Flint Handmade features a mix of modern quilted pieces by area crafters, highlighting eco-friendly, upcycled and local material. Free raffle on a patchwork tote.
   For more information, call (810) 241-2660.
   
   
5. Hoffman’s Deco Deli, 503 Garland St., Flint
   “It’s a Wrap” -- Material Girls
   This local group sews quilts for the Genesee County Community Mental Health (CMH) to give out at Christmas through CMH’s “It’s a Wrap” gift program. Various pieces on display and tickets sold for a quilt being auctioned off in November.
   For more information, call (810) 424-6070.
   
   
6. Stockton Center at Spring Grove, 720 Ann Arbor St., Flint ($3 admission fee)
   “Stitches Over Time”
   This display features hand-quilted, machine-quilted and appliqué pieces by local fiber artists, as well as antique quilts from the collection at Crossroads Village. Free hand massages Thursday, door prizes for the first 50 attendees, and Bell’s Blazen Blades classes offered throughout the festival.
   Have your scissors sharpened on Friday 9 a.m.–12 noon or Saturday 12 noon–4 p.m. by Bell’s Blazen Blades (fee)
   Sept 12 11:00 - 11:30 am Lecture - Care of Quilts
   For more information, call (810) 653-4280.
   
   
7. Whaley House Museum, 624 E. Kearsley St., Flint ($5 admission fee)
   “A Mix of Old and New: Quilts from Bedcovers to Wall Art”
   A collection of traditional quilts from the Whaley House Museum and pieces from Michigan fiber artist Barbara Holmer. On Saturday, Holmer demonstrates the quilting process.
   For more information, call (810) 235-6841.

* ArtWalk happens on the 2nd Fridays monthly at The Greater Flint Arts Council, Buckham Gallery, St John's Church, Pages Bookstore, The Yoga Loft and The Rowe Building in downtown Flint. ArtWalk runs 6-9 p.m. and features work from national and international artist in many mediums. Light refreshments are served at every stop. Admission is free, though donations are welcome and appreciated.