Keynote Speakers

Luke Haynes at 11:45 am

Luke Haynes is an innovator, internationally acclaimed in quilting and fine art circles. Quilting has been a survival tool in his early years dealing with poverty and autism. Its has become a lifelong practice of transformation. He is widely recognized as a pillar of the modern quilting movement.

His training as an architect has lead to his creation of large-scale quilted structures and public art installations. He is equally well known for his innovative approach to portraiture. Every one of his pieces is made entirely from salvaged textiles. He is proud to have diverted over 100 tons of clothing and fabrics from landfills.

Luke Hayne’s quilts have been exhibited in over 200 museums and galleries worldwide; he has expanded people’s understanding of what quilts can be: sculptural, architectural, and narrative.

In 2020, Luke started making Affirmation Quilts with his wife and leaving them in public spaces with a note explaining the quilt is free to take and keep. This has spread internationally with many artists picking up the practice.   Luke’s ethos is creating order from chaos, building care in his community, and honouring the power of comfort objects.

Jennifer Chiaverini at 2:45 pm

Jennifer Chiaverini is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty six novels, including critically acclaimed historical fiction and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series. Her works of nonfiction include seven collections of quilt patterns and original designs featured in Country Women, Quiltmaker, Quilt, and other magazines. In 2020 she was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Wisconsin Library Association for her novel Resistance Women.

Concurrent Session Speakers

Concurrent session speakers will be announced early in 2027.

Virtual Quilt Show

Please consider sharing photos of your quilted creations with others! Your work inspires others and is a joy to view. We encourage members of the sponsoring guilds to submit up to two quilts to the Virtual Quilt Show. 

Please be prepared to provide the following information about your quilt(s):

* Quilt name

* Pattern designer

* Quilter, if other than yourself

* An artist’s statement or brief history of the quilt (Limit of 50 words)

* Up to five photos for each quilt. We recommend an overall view of the quilt along with several closeups of interesting details.

You will be asked to upload your photos. To be able to do this, you will need to log in to your Google account. If you do not have an account, you may ask someone with an account to submit the photos on your behalf.

Quilt show submissions will open December 1, 2026 and close on February 14, 2027.

Virtual quilt show submissions will open December 1