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Each year the Canadian Quilter’s Association organizes a challenge sponsored by Trendtex (here is the link featuring the 2011 entries). I have been a participant since 2009 . Earlier this year I made sure not to miss out in creating a piece that will go up for auction in Halifax during Quilt Canada May 30th – June 3rd, 2012. As a teacher with nearly full workshops I am excited to contribute and support the event.

The challenge is well organized. Traditionally five fabrics are selected by the vice chair of CQA/ACC, cut into fat quarters, packaged and sent out to those members who send a cheque for the entry fee of $ 20. The proceeds go to the Canadian Quilters Association. Entries make for a colorful and diverse exhibit at the annual conference.

The fabrics for 2012 are soft and muted (as you can glean above) and immediately evoked fond memories of my last visit to the East Coast of Canada. I decided to pull up my photographs on the computer from time spent in Mahone Bay, Fort Louisburg and Peggy’s Cove in 2008. I selected three images, focused on subject matter that portrays the area well and began cutting, appliqueing, embellishing and quilting my entry. I am committed to using only the fabrics selected. As usual, I greatly underestimated my time investment but in the end I was very happy with the outcome. SeaClusion measures approximately 17″ h x 24″ w x 1″ d. Here is part of my statement: …My garden by the sea would have all these components: A gate that lets the passerby pause momentarily and enjoy the tranquility of the garden sanctuary, the open sea with its constant surf washing over the rocks that reflect the surreal sunset colours, sea urchins for flowers and a post to tie my boat to…

SeaClusion – My Garden by the Sea was sent to the collection point for judging by mid February. Judging took place in early April and now is a good time to share my piece with you, as I am about to upload the image to my website as well. I do hope it generates a little excitement and will ensure additional bids during the silent auction in Halifax. If you are planning on attending the conference make sure to check out the Trendtex challenge. I can’t wait to see the variety of entries – always a feast for the eyes!

22 Apr This entry was published on April 22, 2012 at 5:27 am. It’s filed under Art, Creativity Update, Design, Exhibition, Landscape photography, Nature's Art, Photography & Events, Quilt Judging, Special event and tagged annual challenge, CQA/ACC, for a good cause, fundraiser for CQA/ACC, My Garden by the Sea, Seaclusion, Trendtex Challenge 2012, Trendtex fabrics. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post.