To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Quilters Hall of Fame is calling for mini quilts that reflect the statement, “What Freedom Means to Me.” Entries will be juried and those chosen will be showcased in an exhibit at Celebration 2026, in Marion, Indiana July 23 – 25, 2026. Participating quilts will be eligible to win a cash award judged by a certified judge. Cash awards will be awarded during our Celebration 2026 event July 23 – 25, 2026. Awards for artists that are unable to attend will be mailed after that date.
Rules:
- Entries must fit the definition of an art quilt as defined by SAQA: “a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure.” Any embellishments must not be fragile, must be securely attached, and must be unable to penetrate mailing envelopes or boxes or to damage other quilts when stacked. No glitter.
- Size of quilt must be 18” x 18”.
- Entry fee: Up to two quilts may be submitted for $45.
- Required for each entry please upload a pdf file containing: the title, artist’s name, contact information, an insurance value, an artist’s statement (up to 1,000 characters) Your artist’s statement could include techniques, materials and/or inspiration. Your work will be insured for value of materials unless you have professional appraisal.
- Also required for each entry please upload photo(s) of your entry. Make sure photos are high quality and represent your work well. By submitting an entry, you give permission for TQHF to publish your photos for promotions. Up to five files may be submitted. If you would like to submit more than five files email us at admin@quiltershalloffame.net.
- If chosen for the exhibit, your quilt must have a 4” hanging sleeve and a label bearing the title, maker’s name and contact information. TQHF will pay the return shipping fee. In person drop-offs and pick-ups will be accepted during museum hours, Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm at 926 S Washington Street, Marion, IN.
- Cash awards total $500.
Timeline:
- October 15, 2026 Call for entry announcement
- November 15, 2026: Online entry opens
- May 29, 2026: Deadline for online entry
- June 12, 2026 Notification of acceptance
- July 3, 2026 Deadline for quilt’s arrival at TQHF
- July 23, 2026: Exhibit opens
- July 23 – 25, 2026: Awards announced
- July 25, 2026: Exhibit closes
- August 3, 2026: Quilts will be shipped home