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More than 53,000 quilting enthusiasts from around the world are expected to visit downtown Houston for the 27th annual International Quilt Festival, to be held Nov. 1-4 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Festival showcases more than 1,000 antique and contemporary quilts, almost 40 special exhibits, 800 shopping booths with everything from quilting fabrics to supplies, antiques, crafts, gifts and finished quilts. This country's love affair with quilts has resulted in nearly 20 million adult Americans spending approximately $1.8 billion per year on quilt-related products. Quilting itself represents hundreds of years of stories, stemming from its origination in ancient Egypt to its rebirth in the American colonies.

"For many people, quilts capture stories from the past, rich with family history," said Karey Bresenhan, president of Quilts Inc. and founder of International Quilt Festival. "Quilt making is as much a way to bring families together to celebrate traditions and beliefs as it is to showcase a variety of breathtaking art pieces."

In addition to the vast array of antique and contemporary quilts, exhibits and shopping booths, Festival visitors also can enjoy free teacher demonstrations, hands-on opportunities and more than 300 classes, lectures and special events.

Some of the many special Festival exhibits include:

• The Husqvarna Viking Gallery of Quilt Art Masterpieces - This new exhibit will feature the best in contemporary machine quilting in a special gallery setting.
• Bernina Fashion Show - This is a chance to see beautiful quilted and embellished garments made by invited artists. Bernina of America is this Festival classic's new sponsor.
• Quilts 21: American Art Quilts for the 21st Century - A grand display of the most influential quilts of the 21st century that have changed the style of quilting today.
• Hands All Around XVII: International Quilts - A stunning collection of quilts that showcases the various cultures of our world.
• Women Who Challenged Quilting - A dynamic array of quilts that reflect the lives of these women and their stories.

Other projects taking place at Festival include the Quilters' S.O.S. Project: Save Our Stories. This effort debuted at the 1999 Festival with overwhelming success. The Quilters' S.O.S. Project is an oral history project that helps preserve stories of each individual's history and quilting background.

In addition to attending the International Quilt Festival, quilt lovers and art enthusiasts are encouraged to visit three Houston museums with current quilting exhibits to further explore the majesty of quilts. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will feature American Traditions: Quilts and Coverlets 1760-1900, Oct. 28, 2001 - Feb. 17, 2002; Holocaust Museum Houston will showcase Cover Them: A Quilt Installation by Rachel Brumer, Sept. 5, 2001 - Jan. 27, 2002 and the Blaffer Gallery, the Art Museum of the University of Houston will present Spirits of the Cloth: Contemporary Quilts by African American Artists, Sept. 22 - Dec. 21, 2001.

"The International Quilt Festival, Houston's largest convention, is a gathering place for art enthusiasts and quilt lovers alike. Simply browsing the marketplace, which features hundreds of vendors, free demonstrations, dazzling displays and special exhibits filled with awe-inspiring quilts is an experience in itself and one that should not be missed," said Bresenhan.

For more information about International Quilt Festival and to learn about history in the making, call (713) 781-6864, or write to International Quilt Festival at 7660 Woodway, Suite 550, Houston, Texas, 77063; fax (713) 781-8182; e-mail at shows@quilts.com or visit www.quilts.com.

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