International quilt show entices visitors at Marina mall

Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business

For the first time in the capital, Marina Mall – Abu Dhabi, the leading shopping destination, hosted prize-winning quilts from the International Quilt Show, Dubai. In parallel, and as part of Her Highness Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan’s ‘Quilts Are Art’ competition for school children, the mall displayed all the paper quilt blocks submitted in the competition from February 18-20.
The International Quilt Show Dubai specialises in high-quality quilts both regionally and globally, and features designs that range from traditional and contemporary, to innovative, three-dimensional and wearable arts. Professional quilters, traders, and hobbyists alike had the opportunity to see first-hand the winning quilts in each category from around the world.
Furthermore, visitors to Marina Mall – Abu Dhabi got the chance to experience the work of talented elementary and junior high students from six schools across Abu Dhabi. The competition introduced children to the art of quilt-making and exposed them to the strategies and complexities involved in the whole process. Measurement, geometry, symmetry and creativity were all evident in the pieces on display that were produced by the artistic students.
Commenting on the charity quilt, HH Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, said: “I would like to thank ‘Capital City Quilters’ for designing and creating such a unique quilt, the proceeds from which will enable the ‘Wanna Read’ initiative to promote education for children who are unable to go to school due to illness. I am happy to be a sponsor of the contest ‘Quilts Are Art’ and I hope it will inspire more children to further explore this form of textile art.”
Commenting on the exhibition and competition, Tarek Tohami, Acting General Manager at Marina Mall, said: “We are always looking to create an exclusive experience with a diverse range and events and are very excited to have hosted Abu Dhabi’s first quilt exhibition. “We are also grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the great initiative brought forth by Her Highness Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. ‘Quilts Are Art’ allowed children to experience the intricacies of quilt-making, inspiring them to truly explore this unique form of art.”
Additionally, on display was the charity quilt made by the Capital City Quilters, the proceeds of which were donated to the “Wanna Read” charity, of which Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan is the founder.
Larisa Miller, President at Capital City Quilters, said: “It is my pleasure as president of Capital City Quilters, to donate these quilts, which will benefit the ‘Wanna Read’ initiative. Quilting is a centuries old art form that is both beautiful and practical. Whether done by hand or machine, quilting inspires both creativity and innovation, and the exquisite quilts which were the winners at the International Quilt Show Dubai are stunning proof that quilts are not simply bed coverlets.’
HH Sheikha Shamma Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, along with the president of the Capital City Quilters selected the winning pieces from the ‘Quilts Are Art’ competition, after which all participating entries were on display at the mall.