by Gregg Morris, for The Bulletin Special Projects

It’s been almost four decades since Jean Wells Keenan began the tradition of displaying handmade quilts for the town of Sisters. What began as a dozen quilts outside her shop, The Stitchin’ Post, has grown into more than 1,300 quilts taking over the entire town.

Those humble beginnings in 1975 have blossomed into an internationally-known event.

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show takes its regular spot the second Saturday in July, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with festivities running throughout the week.

More than 500 volunteers commit thousands of hours to organizing and executing the presentation of the hand- and machine-crafted quilts. From heirlooms to contemporary creations, these works of art will hang from every possible location in the 1880s-style town.

Classes, workshops, events and exhibits will provide something for everyone — from the beginner to the master quilter.

“This is our 39th year,” said quilt show executive director Jeanette Pilak, noting that in the beginning Keenan had the area’s only quilt shop. “She is the catalyst of quilting in Central Oregon.”

After 17 years, Keenan handed the reins over to Ann Richardson, who assumed the role of executive director. The show continued to expand with Richardson at the helm, establishing a board of directors and securing a part-time staff.

Richardson stepped down last year as an excited Jeanette Pilak became the new executive director.

“The huge community buy-in for the event was very attractive to me,” explained Pilak.

Finding a place to stay during the show can be a challenge as many of the up to 12,000 quilting enthusiasts book rooms around the area as much as a year in advance. The quilt show not only attracts local and regional quilting enthusiasts, but also welcomes visitors from across the country and as far away as Australia, New Zealand, England and even South America. The farthest travelled quilt this year will come from South Africa.

In keeping with the quilt show’s evolving nature, several new events have been added to this year’s exhibits.

Fabric manufacturer Island Batik has selected the quilt show as one of several locations nationwide to host “Quilted in Honor,” a fundraising initiative for Operation Homefront — one of the top military fundraising organizations. Monies raised go to support returning veterans and their families.

In conjunction with “Quilted in Honor,” the “Starlight in Sisters” quilt raffle will also raise money for those in need.

“We are proud to help out with the economic needs, specifically of Central Oregon’s returning military,” said Pilak.

Also this year is the creation of “MANLAND.” With three times as many men entering quilts as last year, the show has designated a spot in Town Square to exhibit their work.

Events Before the Show

The Around the Block Fiber Arts Stroll and Quilt Walk feature more than 100 Central Oregon-made quilts in businesses throughout Sisters in the month of July, and Bend’s Old Mill District July 4-20.

The Stitchin’ Post will host a range of quilting classes designed for every level of quilting experience July 7-11 at Sisters High School. Instructors from around the country will teach various techniques to students of all ages.

The “Men Behind the Quilts” calendar premiere party celebrates the release of the 18-month calendar featuring local men wrapped in locally-made quilts. The party will commence at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, in the Sisters Art Works building.

On Thursday, July 10, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., an artist reception for quilt show founder Keenan will be held in the Clearwater Gallery.

Weekend Events

In addition to the wide array of quilts displayed on every fence, rail and wall available, Saturday’s festivities are geared toward the whole family.

From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Town Square, the Quilting Activity Area will welcome children with an opportunity to make small, take-home projects.

In addition to the “Starlight Over Sisters” quilt raffle, there will also be a bike raffle. Both raffles will take place at 4 p.m. behind The Stitchin’ Post.

Sunday’s extension of the quilt show will showcase several local quilting exhibits and speakers from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The featured speaker is teacher, long arm quilter, and noted author Angela Walters. Her lecture begins at 11 a.m. and costs $20.

More information on the quilt show can be found at www.sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org.