KIRTLAND, Ohio — The Quilts 2022 quilt show is a month-long showcase of all things quilts at the Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Now in it's 30th year, the artistry, storytelling, and skill displays are breathtaking.
The show welcomes local artists with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Some are lifelong quilters; others, like Purnia Mattern, are new to the craft.
"I came here 2017," she shared. "In my country, in Indonesia. I [had heard about quilting], but I'm not familiar with that. My mother-in-law took me here and then she told me about the quilt show."
Mattern says she watched YouTube videos to learn how to quilt, and now her very first quilt is here on display.
The meanings behind each work of art are as personal as they are relatable. Some are even generational, as is the case with Lin McQuiston's work of art this year.
"This quilt is actually a document of my family history," she explained. "My father's parents came from Italy, my mother's family came from Missouri and Kentucky. This block is my husband and myself, [and there is one of] our four grandchildren.
"My hope is long after I'm gone, my children and grandchildren will treasure this quilt and remember their ancestors."
With 199 quilts on display, this year's best of show is an inventive piece from Lisa Berris based off a photograph of a tiger taken by her husband Bill.
"I was in love with this picture," she told us, "and I said, 'I'm going to make a quilt.' And we have two grown boys and I have saved all our jeans, and I said, 'I'm going to make him out of denim.'"
For all the beautiful artistry you'll encounter, Lake Metroparks Farmpark Event Manager Andy McGovern says the main thing that people feel is a sense of pride.
"Whenever you see someone who has taken the time, taken the energy to make a quilt, the fact that they were proud enough to enter it to me, that's a win right there," he said.
Quilts 2022 runs through May 1. You can find more information here.
Correction: In the broadcast of this story, 3News Contributor Chris Webb stated that quilter Joan Horwich had passed away. Joan did not pass away, but the quilt mentioned as part of the Quilts 2022 show was made in honor of someone who did pass away. We apologize for this error.