The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, VA (VR) – Another display of beautiful quilts made by local quilters opened at The Historic Masonic Theatre in the third floor WestRock Room on Friday, July 24. The “From Our Neighborhood, Transitions” exhibit will run through October 20. In addition to being open during specific hours for Fall Foliage Festival, the exhibit is open now during Theatre business hours, Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. It is good idea to phone the theatre at 540 862 5655 on the day of your visit to make sure that no other event is occurring.
Thirty-six quilts of the colors of summer and fall are on display. Quilters that have loaned the Theatre quilts for this exhibit include: Armilda Hayes, Linda Puhle, Debbie Umstead, Carol Almarez, Valerie Hepler, Sue Leitch, Brenda Martin, Cindy Morris, Peggy Dunn, Doris Swartz, Gayle Hillert and two quilts on display from Brenda Bartocci’s collection on loan courtesy of Chuck Bartocci.
Wendy Hudler, director of operations for The Historic Masonic Theatre says, “The Theatre board and staff are extremely grateful for the quilt makers in the area who loan us their precious quilts so that they may be on display in our third-floor Community room. The quilt displays that we have made available to the public over the past eight or nine years have been tremendously popular, but none more that the displays from local quilt makers. These exhibits are a reflection of the breadth of talent in this community. In addition to the Community room display, we also have quilts in the Lobby, the Annex, the third-floor hallway and foyer. As you walk the exhibit you go from the colors of summer to the colors of fall in fabric.”
“This exhibit includes two quilts from different quilt makers that were discovered in cedar chests and completed years later by a great-granddaughter and granddaughter of the original quilters. We are also grateful to the local quilt shops who make accessible the materials that our quilters need to pursue their passion. American quilting traditions are steeped in history and are certainly relevant and popular today.”
The “From Our Neighborhood” Quilt Exhibits are ongoing. The Theatre has hosted several exhibits in 2026 showcasing the talent and artistry of the region. If interested in loaning a quilt for display, please call the Theatre at 540 862 5655 and leave your name and contact information.
For more information regarding events at The Historic Masonic Theatre & Amphitheatre, please visit www.historicmasonictheatre.com or the Theatre Facebook page.
