by Mary Beth Krapil
Handi Quilter was proud to sponsor the top prize for the International Contest of the European Patchwork Meeting, held in Sainte Marie aux Mines, France. The show was Sept 14-17, 2017, in a beautiful little town in the Alsace region of France. Each year, the show hosts an International Contest, inviting quilters world-wide to enter. The theme for 2017 was “Trip to the End of the World”. . The entries were truly international, coming from Spain, France, the US, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, Israel, Switzerland, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Korea, Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Japan.
Of 103 total entries, 38 were selected to be part of the exhibition. The jury consisted of 3 esteemed art quilters; Mirjam Pet-Jacobs of the Netherlands, Alie Dijk of the Netherlands and Luke Haynes, Handi Quilter Ambassador, from the US. The quilts were judged on four criteria: choice and harmony of color, interpretation of the theme, technical development and creativity.
Let me share a small selection of the quilts that were on display.
The awards ceremony brought a standing-room only crowd and the room was buzzing.
The winner of the 1500 Euro prize was:
The award was presented by Handi Quilter’s Director of Global Development, Chuck Fresina. Tatiana was surprised and thrilled beyond words. This is her artist’s statement:
You are three years old, and you are at the dawn of a journey with continents to conquer, and horizons to overcome. Free, without anchors and restraints, you venture forever in the infinity of childhood’s imagination. With a heart yet to grow, a courage yet to master, a journey yet to invent. You are three years old and you sail to the unknown with paper boat.
I was inspired by this uplifting, positive approach to the theme.
Congratulations Tatiana! Well done!
When I began viewing it was clear what spoke to me and what did considering your criteria. But, then there was the winner. Her quilt absolutely embraced the theme perfectly. A breathtaking view of the theme and a wonderfully positive statement by the artist. I loved it.
Congratulations to all the winners – they are beautiful expressions of individual creativity I love to see.