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 Smurfit WestRock Community Room on Friday, October 23. The “From Our Neighborhood, Deck the Walls” exhibit will run through December 14. 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.
Over forty holiday quilts and quilted items are on display. Quilters that have loaned the Theatre quilts for this exhibit include: Lynne Bowman, Doris Swartz, Sue Leitch, Brenda Martin, Debbie Umstead, Elsie Bailey, Linda Puhle, Deborah Carsillo, Gail Caldwell, Carol Almarez, Beverly Hepler, Armilda Hayes, Cindy Morris, Brenda Bartocci (on loan for this exhibit courtesy of Chuck Bartocci), Lisa Boothe, Ruthie Craft and Gayle Hillert. Handmade ornaments by Lynne Bowman, Debbie Umstead, and Gail Caldwell also are on display.
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 Smurfit Westrock Community room. The quilt displays that we have made available to the public over the past nine or ten 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 admire the creativity and joy of the exhibit. It makes you want to sing Christmas carols! 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, and the region has expanded to include West Virginia, Fincastle, Lexington and Roanoke. If interested in loaning a quilt for a future 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 & Masonic Amphitheatre, please visit www.historicmasonictheatre.com or the Theatre Facebook page.
