Visit us at www.amqg.org

The Amherst Museum Quilters Guild was founded in 1975 with about a dozen quilters as one of the first folk art groups at the Amherst Museum. At that time, quilting was beginning to make a comeback and few quilters and even fewer books and resource materials were available. Since then our membership has grown to over 160 quilters from all over New York, Canada, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana, Maine, Florida and England.

The Guild membership has beginning, intermediate and advanced quilters, those who are traditional contemporary and many others who specialize in baby quilts, wallhangings, clothing and miniatures. Members work on their own projects and also come together to make a yearly raffle quilt, the proceeds of which benefit the Guild and the Museum.

Dues are $25. This includes membership in both the Guild and Amherst Museum. Membership is from January 1 to December 31. Anyone interested in quilts and the art of quilting is welcome to join. The goals of the Guild are to enhance the interest, knowledge and skills of quilting and to share ideas, expertise and fellowship among Guild members. We seek to further the craft and perpetuate the art of quilting by presenting related programs and events. Our meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month, beginning at 7 PM. Meetings consist of a short business meeting, lecture or program show & share and time to socialize with other members. The Guild has an extensive lending library with resource materials for members' use. Please visit the Membership page for instructions on how to join.

The Guild is also proud to have in its membership two quilt appraisers, each fully certified by the American Quilter's Society: Linda Hunter, (for more information see her web site) and Natalie Masker (please contact via email).

Charitable contributions to the community include supporting the AIDS Baby Quilt Project, and making quilts for the Children's Hospital Preemie and Cancer Unites and decorating a tree in the Festival of Trees to benefit Children's Hospital.

A monthly newsletter is sent to all members. In February, members can participate in an informal retreat to Chautauqua Institute for a weekend of quilting, fun and R&R.

The Guild and Museum co-sponsor an annual Quilt Seminar in September where nationally recognized quilt artists from all over the country conduct classes and present lectures to over 300 quilters who attend this four-day seminar.

The Guild and Museum co-sponsor a biennial Quilt Show in April, the largest in Western New York. The show features hundreds of works from full size to baby quilts, wall hangings, wearables and other quilted items, as well as demonstrations, a Merchants Mall, a fashion show, and lunch available for purchase. The next show is scheduled for 2008.

One of our most gratifying programs is the Historic Homes Project. The Museum owns many quilts c. 1820-1860 which are too fragile to be used in the 14 historical homes and buildings at the Museum park. The Historic Homes committee has been replicating some of these quilts for display. The materials are researched and many miles are covered searching for the right fabric. Our goal is to place a quilt on all the beds as needed so visitors to the Museum will visually recognize the work of those before us.

Please email Museum Liaison Betty Lerner or call 716-689-1440 for more information.