STANDISH – Northeast Michigan Arts Council’s 33rd Annual Quilt Show is slated for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1 and 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Northeast Art Center auditorium.

Patrons will have the opportunity to see an extensive collection of 100-plus quilts in a unique display that will be judged and awarded in the following categories: antique [pre-1950], traditional pattern, appliqué, embroidered, tied, and mixed media. There are also crib quilts, lap and throw quilts, wall hangings of all sizes and a miscellaneous category that includes a travel bag and placemats and other non-traditional quilted items. Quilt show exhibitors hail from Alcona, Arenac, Bay, Genesee, Gladwin, Iosco, Ogemaw and Oakland counties.

The craft of patchwork – piecing together of shaped bits of fabric – has been practiced since early Egyptian times. As the 19th century began, the textile industry in America was coming into its own, resulting in a flood of inexpensive and washable cottons for an eager market. Patchwork quilts, usually featuring geometric patterns, were designed in America by early settlers for utilitarian purposes, but they became especially popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and remain a popular folk art in 21st century America today.

The quilt show is a fundraising project for the Art Center and requires an admission fee for ages 12 through adult. Tickets will be sold at the door and include complimentary refreshments. The art center is located at the corner of Grove Street Road and US-23, a ½ mile north of the Standish traffic light.

For additional information, contact the Northeast Art Center at 989-846-9331 or visit the art center’s website at nemiac.org.