Santa Monica Quilt Guild Exhibition

A fall quilting exhibition will feature the work of the Santa Monica Quilt Guild, along with two other LA-based quilt guilds, beginning Aug. 23 at the Los Angeles LDS Temple Visitors' Center.

Jill Gollaher, who organized the quilt display at the Visitors' Center, said the purpose of the exhibition was "to bring greater public awareness to a cherished part of Americana – quilt making – and also to those in our local community who are keeping this wonderful art alive. Each month about 8,000 people pass through the Visitors' Center so we hope the display ignites a lot of interest."

Susan Barrett, president of the Santa Monica Quilt Guild, said the "guild is eager to participate in this exhibit at the LDS Visitor Center as it presents a wonderful opportunity for us to let the community know who we are and what we do."

Founded in 1990, the Santa Monica Quilt Guild has grown to about 70 members and belongs to the Southern California Council of Quilt Guilds. They will display nearly 40 quilts, representing a variety of quilting styles. The Visitors' Center is located at 10777 Santa Monica Blvd. behind the LDS Temple. The center is open daily to the public from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Santa Monica Quilt Guild will display their work from Aug. 23 through Sept. 4.

The Westside Quilters, from the Westwood/Culver City area of Los Angeles, will display quilts at the Visitors' Center from Sept. 6 through Sept. 18, and the African American Quilters of Los Angeles will show their work from Sept. 20 through Oct. 2. The Westside Quilters Guild was organized for charitable and educational purposes and has an active philanthropic mission.

The African American Quilters of Los Angeles was established 27 years ago and boasts a multi-ethnic membership of 160, comprised of both men and women. The mission of the AAQLA is to bring awareness of the historical value of African American quilts, as well as to celebrate and continue the tradition of quilting.