New exhibits Feature Texas Traditions, Marvelous Medallions, and the Spirit of Reenergizing Renewal! 

Visitors will enjoy Blue Ribbon Prizewinners from the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Framed Center/Medallion Quilts, and Rebound-Renew-Reimagine. They will run from May 1-August 23.

Blue Ribbon Prizewinners from the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will feature 14 quilts from the Adult Division and six quilts from the Youth Division.

 All hung on display for hundreds of thousands of visitors to see and enjoy at this year’s HLSR, one of the city’s marquee events. The exhibit is sponsored by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

“These works confirm that the art of quilting is still very much alive in Texas, celebrating both the rich history of the art form and the applications of many traditional techniques and styles into contemporary quilts,” says Vicki Mangum, Museum Curator. “You’ll be impressed by the workmanship and beauty of these winners!”

Be sure to see the Adult Best of Show winner, Hankie Panky by Anita Todd of the Colorado Valley Quilt Guild, and the Youth Best of Show winner, Midnight Blooms by Ellie Stuckey. There will also be a display of Rodeo-related art from students at La Grange High School.

Framed Center/Medallion Quilts showcases 45 works from the American Quilt Study Group. In the 2021 Biennial Quilt Study, AQSG members were challenged to study a Medallion quilt and create their own original work inspired by it. The “inspiration” quilts range from the 18th-20th centuries. Some of the new quilts might be mistaken for the originals, while others are a fresh take on a classic look.

“Framed or Medallion quilts have been a favorite of quilters for over 200 years. It’s lovely to see contemporary interpretations of these classic Medallion quilts, especially in a manageable size.” Mangum adds. This exhibit is sponsored by the Lucille Gaebler Klein Fund.

Finally, Rebound-Renew-Reimagine displays 19 quilts from the Manhattan Quilters Guild.

For many members, the enforced isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic had brought deep reflection and new experimentation with previous techniques and materials. The decision was made to create quilts with titles that begin with a “re,” which often carries such meanings as “again and again” and suggests a look backward while moving forward. 

“Open yourself to the art that these quilts possess. Some artists included are Ludmilla Aristova, Rachael Dorr, Paula Nadelstern, and Victoria Findlay Wolfe,” Mangum says. “This show demonstrates the power of hard times in the hands of dedicated artists. They translated their experiences of loss and grief and separation into artwork that makes us feel revived.”