During the

three years that the Quilters Guild of the Southern

Crescent has been in existence, the group has accumulated

more than 70 active members, but has not put on a

quilting show.

That

changes this weekend as the group presents a show at

Rising Starr Middle School.

The

Quilting Guild of the Southern Crescent has received a

grant from the Clayton Council of Arts and is presenting

the show for education and enjoyment. Recently, the group

was involved in a two-day project with several fourth

grade classes from Fayette County. The students learned

about the craft on the first day and then created

quilting blocks. The blocks will be on display at the

show this weekend.

The

quilting show will exhibit more than 100 quilts. There

will be dozens of vendors with quilted clothes and quilts

that range in size up to king size. Members of the guild

will be on hand to answer questions and there will be a

raffle for a quilt as well as a silent auction.

"We're

keeping a tradition alive that is hundreds of years

old," said Nancy Currier, the treasurer and

publicity chairman for the show. "It is a very

American tradition that has found a rebirth of

sorts."

The group

has members from all over the south side, as well as

Atlanta. The ages range from teens and 20s to members in

their 80s and, though many quilters are women, there are

some men who really enjoy the craft. As Currier explains,

"They appreciate the math skills and precision

necessary to quilt." The experience level also

varies. Some members are very new to the craft, while

others are qualified to teach.

The group

is looking to do a show once every two years and, though

none of them had ever put on a show of this size before,

they are having fun. The show will run from 9 a.m. to 5

p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 6 and 7. Admission is $5

for adults, $2 for children ages 6-12 and free to chidren

under 6.

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