Medina library celebrates 25 years with quilt show

The Medina Public Library celebrated its 25-year anniversary on Wednesday, September 23 in conjunction with the biannual quilt show at the Rodney Camp Pavilion.

The dual event drew over 50 members of the public who were served birthday cake and ice cream as well as a fascinating display of quilting projects.

Library Director Allison Harbour served home made cake and ice cream to birthday party participants composed of children, mothers, grandmothers, Medina citizens and County visitors.

The library provided a variety of entertainment for the adults and youngsters to enjoy. Bandera City Council member Debbie Breen even brought her mother to the quilt show and party.

Library Assistant Missy Solbrig led a children’s group in a round of Freeze Dance in the Children’s Room with the assistance of library favorite Rosa Hendricks.

The adults present seemed to enjoy the activities more than the children.

Library Assistants Dana Jones and Ann Wells helped Harbour helped with the refreshments. The Assistants wore birthday tiaras to celebrate the day.

Gummi worm guessing games for adults and children entertained the group. A treasure hunt was a novel activity provided to keep everyone entertained.

There was even a station where visitors could write love letters to the library detailing their favorite library activities.

Everyone was given a ticket for prize drawings which were conducted at the end of the celebration.

The Library and its patrons could not have had a better celebration for its 25th birthday.

While the children were having fun in the library, the adults could wander across the courtyard to view some outstanding examples of heritage quilting. The Medina Quilter group hosts a biannual show to display quilts made by county locals or their families. Two antique quilts were displayed for visitors to view.

Quilt group member Nancy brought her sewing machine to demonstrate quilting techniques.

Just over 60 entries, both traditional quilts and smaller fiber art projects, were displayed in the Rodney Camp Pavilion.

The quilt show began on Saturday, September 19th and ran through September 26th. Visitors were encouraged to stroll through the show and pick their favorite entry for the People’s Choice Award.

Each visitor was given a small jar gripper made by members, as a memento of the show.

The theme for this year was “America the Beautiful.” Quilters were urged to add eagles to their quilts in honor of the US’ 250th birthday.

A contest to find the number of eagles hidden in the quilt designs engaged many visitors.

Each quilt project can take between a few weeks to five years to complete. Entries can be hand stitched, machine stitched or can be antique legacies from ancestors.

Designs can display traditional patterns or use photo realism.

One black and white quilt of a horse head was an example of the use of photo realism when quilting.

Quilt group volunteers agreed that people take up quilting as a hobby to “keep their hands busy” and to sew with a practical product that expresses their creativity. The volunteers; Sherry Green, Shonda Atkins, Faye Hubble, and leader Karen Laurance; urge patrons who have an interest in quilting to join the group. They meet at the Medina Community Library on the third Friday of the month at 10AM.

“Everyone is welcome, we have a group of really good people that enjoy working together,” said Faye Hubble.