The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – Beginning Tuesday, May 13, The Historic Masonic Theatre will host a quilt exhibit of quilts made by local quilt makers in the WestRock Community Room on the third floor. The WestRock Room may be accessed by elevator or stairs.
An assortment of quilts is displayed, including several vintage quilts from the 1930’s and one antique quilt from the turn of the century, in addition to outstanding examples of creativity and workmanship from local quilt makers in the Highlands.
Carol Almarez, Brenda Bartocci, Valerie Hepler, Gayle Hillert, Sue Leitch, Cindy Morris, Pam Pace, Johnette Roberts (who lived in the area for many years and has relocated to Maryland), and Debbie Umstead loaned their quilts to the Theatre for display. The exhibit is called, “From Our Neighborhood
Quilt Exhibit sponsored by The Historic Masonic Theatre”.
“This area is rich with local talent and the Theatre would like to display area quilters’ creations often. This is our first “From the Neighborhood” exhibit but with the help of area quilters, there will be more.
The WestRock Room and our system of hanging quilts are perfect for displays like these”, said Wendy Hudler, Director of Operations.
The exhibit also promotes the 120th birthday of The Historic Masonic Theatre which was built in 1905 and had its first show, an operetta from New York City, as its first event. The Theatre is planning to celebrate its birthday on July 4 at 2:00 pm in the Tom Dean Underground after Clifton Forge Main Street’s Veterans and First Responder Celebration in the John Hillert Auditorium which follows the Stars & Stripes parade.
The community is welcomed to visit the free admission quilt exhibit during Theatre hours of 10:00am to 3:00pm Tuesday through Friday. It is best to call the Theatre first at 540 862 5655 before visiting.
Twenty-four quilts are included in the exhibit. The antique quilt is called a “Cigar Band” quilt and is made entirely of silk. During the late 1800’s cigar manufacturers sold cigars in bunches wrapped with a silk ribbon. The ribbon displayed the manufacturer’s name, and the strategy was to sell more cigars to men by encouraging their wives to collect the ribbons and use them to make pillows and quilts. Cigar band quilts are very rare. To learn more about events at The Historic Masonic Theatre, please visit the website at www.historicmasonictheatre.com and the Theatre Facebook Page.
