QuiltWeek weaves thousands downtown

QuiltWeek weaves thousands downtown

AQS QuiltWeek features hundreds of quilt “masterpieces,” including international exhibits. Photo via fb.com

More than 15,000 quilters will descend on downtown Grand Rapids this week.

QuiltWeek

The American Quilter’s Society, or AQS, will produce its annual QuiltWeek in Grand Rapids this Wednesday through Saturday at DeVos Place.

More than 450 quilts will be on display at the event and more than $50,000 will be awarded for quilting excellence.

The Merchant Mall will also feature more than 200 vendor booths.

“AQS looks forward to arriving in Grand Rapids every summer,” said Katherine Rupp, marketing director, American Quilter’s Society. “Our attendees love the city’s vibrancy and walkability. As an organization, we can really feel the city’s love of the arts and culture that makes Grand Rapids a unique and especially exciting stop for AQS QuiltWeek.”

Included in the quilting displays will be the national debut of “Living Colour!” — a 32-quilt exhibition celebrating life across spectrums by Australian artist Brenda Gael Smith.

The Young Textile Art Challenge is open to artists ages 18-30, with more than $3,000 in prizes up for grabs.

Economic impact

Last year, QuiltWeek brought more than 21,500 attendees to Grand Rapids.

Conference attendees spent more than $7.3 million in Grand Rapids over the four-day span last August.