Under the Big Top

 The 2025 "Under the Big Top" challenge entries are on display at the Richmond Memorial Library now through the end of February. 

Members are encouraged to visit the exhibit and vote for their choices for awards to be presented at the March meeting.  Categories include Best in show, Creativity/ Originality, Use of Color, Appliqué, Hand Quilting and Machine Quilting.  

All visitors are asked to choose a favorite for the "Viewers Choice" award.  

Pictures don't do justice to the level of creativity and the workmanship on display, but if you can't get to the library, at least you can enjoy the entries!

Kathi Everett's entry, "Little Ringmaster"  is made on a toddler's jacket.  It is hanging so both sides can be enjoyed!

Mary Ellen Casey did an amazing job of replicating the circus tent in her entry, "Leap of Faith" 

Chris Kuehl's "Silhouette" brings to life the audience enjoying the performers

Alex and Kevin Hammon used a drawing by their daughter Jamie for their dancing bears entry, titled "The Music Never Stopped", in honor of other dancing bears.

Sue Privatera's "Irma and Emma" honors the fact that we've all learned that animals should never be made to perform scary tricks for our entertainment.

Connie Grimsley's "Call the Circus" - so named for the number of hours of "call the Midwife" she watched while quilting- also evokes the top of the circus tent.  

Elaine Ross's whimsical entry, "Step Right Up",  uses multiple techniques and fun embellishments!

Jennifer Grimsley's "Sanctuary" honors elephants rescued from the circus and now living out their lives in a more natural environment.

Bonnie Dedo's "Colorful Big Tops" is a colorful homage to the old time circus tent.

Nancy Schrader's "Under the Big Top-Twins" is a different interpretation of the challenge theme, in honor of a niece expecting twins.

Martha Lorshbaugh's "A Few Minutes of Silly" reminds us to take breaks between the events of the day to be joyful and silly now and then.  

Any members who cannot make it to the library, but what to vote for the awards should contact Martha.

Awards will be announced at the March meeting, when the theme for the 2026 challenge will be announced!