Other Activities
Throughout the year, Guild members have the opportunity to take advantage of and/or participate in a number of more specialized projects. The following is a brief explanation of those activities.
Board Meetings
Board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month and are subject to change. At these meetings, the officers and committee chairs meet to discuss Guild business and set the agenda for the upcoming General Meeting. Board meetings are open to any member of the Guild who wishes to participate.
Challenge
Each year, members are challenged to stretch their imaginations and create a quilt illustrating a set theme. The Challenge Committee sets the theme, rules, judging, and deadline for completion. Any member who wishes to participate in the competition keeps the finished piece secret. On the appointed date, the quilts are displayed and members vote for their favorites. Prizes are awarded.
Newsletter
The Guild’s monthly newsletter is its methods of communication. The newsletter includes the President’s letter, Secretary’s minutes, announcements of upcoming programs and workshops, and other membership information. The deadline for submitting articles is Sunday following the monthly Board meeting.
Opportunity Quilt
This is the Guild’s major source of revenue to fund our Community Outreach Projects. Each year, a theme, for the quilt is chosen and members are asked to contribute a single block which are then made into a quilt. Tickets to own the quilt are sold at the South Florida Fair and other venues. At the conclusion of the sale, one ticket is drawn, and the owner of that ticket takes the quilt home. As part of your valued membership, the Guild provides each member with tickets.
Quilting Bees
Many members enjoy belonging to a smaller group for quilting and sharing. Bees meet on various days and evenings at locations throughout the county. The newsletter contains a listing and contact information for the different Bees. One does not have to be a member of the Guild to belong to a Bee. Some Bees emphasize individual projects; others choose to work on something as a group. Many have block exchanges, holiday parties, or other special events.
South Florida Fair
The Guild has worked with the South Florida Fair for many years. Each year the Fair provides space where Guild members demonstrate the art of hand quilting and related quilting activities throughout the duration of the Fair. Recently a Children’s activity has become a popular addition. In return for staffing the booth, the Fair allows us to sell tickets for our Opportunity Quilt. Volunteers to work in the booth are always needed.
Florida Fair Contest
Since 1985, the Guild has collaborated with the South Florida Fair, to sponsor a quilt block contest. Each year, a theme is chosen and anyone anywhere may enter a 12” block which illustrates the theme. The blocks are judged and the winning blocks are made into a quilt by members of the Guild. The finished quilt is exhibited at the Fair that year and then becomes part of the Guild’s permanent collection. This quilt collection (often referred to as the Fair Quilts) is available for loan to shows, museums etc.
Travel
One of our Guild members coordinates trips and/or tours to various quilt-related destinations that are of interest to members. This is not offered through the guild but as an outside interest that we present at our meetings.
Workshops
During the year the Guild offers workshops featuring local and national teachers. These workshops are usually held during the afternoon after a general meeting or on the day before the meeting. There may be a fee to take these classes which helps defray the cost of bringing instructors. Guild members receive preference registering for these classes. If there are additional space, the workshop is opened to the public. (Workshops and Programs are restarting after lifting of Covid restrictions)