Community Library in Harrison welcomes voters for 24th annual Quilt Show

A winter tradition at Community Library of Allegheny Valley is filling the Harrison site with bright, spring-like colors.

The 24th annual Quilt Show is on display with about 20 entries hanging above the book stacks, slung over exposed ceiling beams in the facility on Broadview Boulevard in Natrona Heights.

Voting for the public’s favorite quilts opened Monday and runs through Jan. 29. Winners will be announced Jan. 31.

“The event is popular because I think a major aspect is that there are many locals who have a passion for the fine art of quilting,” said John Kristine, adult program specialist at the library.

He spent the better part of Saturday morning with library board President Louis Hetrick finding just the right spot to showcase the entries, which range in size from lap throw to queen-size quilt.

Because the contest/show has been hosted each winter for more than two decades without fail, people have come to expect its rollout just after the holidays, Kristine said.

“It is part of local tradition to come and see the beautiful quilts hanging around,” he said. “I believe it is comforting to see so many quilts in one place during this frigid time of year.”

The library has been hosting the Quilt Show since 1999, just a year after it opened in the fall of 1998.

The pandemic altered the event slightly, making online entries and voting necessary. But it hasn’t diminished the enthusiasm by quilters and those who flock to the building to gawk at the intricate submissions, Kristine said.

Some years have seen as many as 30 entries.

Library Executive Director Suzy Ruskin said the show includes quilts in both machine-­made and handmade categories, along with a wall hanging category.

This year, an array of skillful submissions includes bright floral, pastel and Christmas-themed blankets.

In years past, entries have included geometric, scenic and abstract designs. There usually are a couple of child-themed quilts as well — a favorite past entry featured a bright blue-and-purple blanket with Anna and Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen.”

Members of the public are welcome to cast their votes for the top three awards at the library.

“People are more than eager to put in their say for the best quilt,” Kristine said.

Even though last year’s contest was virtual, the library staff expects spectators to start flowing in to cast their votes this week.

“It has always brought in people to see the quilts,” Kristine said. “I think many people will want to come into the library to see the quilts for themselves. Photos don’t always do justice to the beauty these quilts have.”

Online voting also will be offered.