Quilt collectors play a critical role in the circle of life of art. By purchasing a quilt, the work of the artist is immediately validated, and the quilt obtains a monetary value that didn’t exist before. The collector also has a critical role in preserving quilts, and ideally, presenting them to viewers, either by hanging it in their home, or loaning it to museums. This lecture will explore the collections of major antique quilt collectors such as Joanna Rose, Eli Leon, and Robert & Ardis James --- and why their vision and passion are so important to quilt preservation. In addition, you’ll be introduced to the collections of contemporary art quilt collectors Frank Klein, Marvin Fletcher, and Jack Walsh. Most importantly, a titanic shift in the Modern Quilt Guild has taken place in recent years as quilts exhibited at QuiltCon are acquired not only by big-time collectors, but also by fellow MQG makers. Learn who is collecting whom and why this matters. Lastly, hear tips on how to have your own quilts acquired by collectors or museums. NOTE: All lectures will take place in the Westin Peachtree Ballroom, approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the quilt show building.
