Quilters and visitors from around the world will be greeted to an Opening Ceremony like no other when the International Quilt Festival officially welcomes an anticipated 55,000 attendees to its event Thursday, October 15 at 10:00 a.m. in Houston, TX.
The Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF) and Gammill Quilting Systems will honor America’s Service members through the unveiling of a specially painted Patriotic machine. The ceremony will include: A color guard presentation, speeches by Catherine Roberts, Founder of The Quilts of Valor Foundation, and Ronald Parker, Gammill Quilting Systems, CEO; and the singing of the National and American Anthem by Ross A. Chitwood, Graduate of Rice University, Houston, TX and The Juilliard School, New York, NY, Actor and Singer.
Gammill commissioned artist Christopher Cofield, owner of a Kansas City-based studio, CC Custom Graphics to paint the machine. Designed to serve as a patriotic symbol of homage and healing for America's war wounded, the custom painted Gammill
hand-guided quilting machine took over 50 hours of airbrush work to complete and adorns elements such as the United States Stars & Stripes, an American Eagle, the Constitution, Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, and a Saluting Soldier. The machine pays tribute to and thanks all servicemen and women who proudly serve the United States Military.
“The Gammill Patriotic machine is a stunning tribute to all Service members,” stated Catherine Roberts. “Our goal of the unveiling ceremony is to bring awareness to our troops and inspire machine quilters everywhere to volunteer their time to make wartime quilts of valors.”
Ronald Parker, Gammill, Inc., CEO stated, “I am pleased we could partner with the Quilts of Valor Foundation on such a worthy project – honoring our brave Servicemen and women who defend our liberty.”
• ABOUT GAMMILL QUILTING SYSTEMS:
Gammill Quilting Systems is the world’s leading manufacturer of professional hand- and computer-guided longarm quilting systems, which includes Statler Stitcher®. The company's headquarters is in West Plains, MO, with a worldwide network of Dealers. Several machine models and sizes are available, with features and tools for different quilting needs. For more information about Gammill’s complete quilting product
line (including the computerized Statler Stitcher and the entry-level Premier Home-Pro), or to find an Authorized Dealer nearest you: Stop-by Gammill’s booth at the Show: 400,02,04,501,03,05;
• ABOUT THE QUILTS OF VALOR FOUNDATION (QOVF):
The Quilts of Valor Foundation is dedicated to providing ALL war wounded and service members and veterans with Wartime Quilts of Valor. A QOV is a beautifully made, pieced and quilted wartime quilt presented as a thank you for a veteran or current service members’ service,sacrifice and valor. For more information about the Quilts of Valor Foundation, visit: www.QOVF.org or phone: 360-202-8923 (PST).
• ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL/HOUSTON:
The International Quilt Festival/Houston – “The World’s Fair of Quilts” is the largest annual quilt show, sale, and quilt making academy in the world. Produced by Quilts Inc., the event attracts more than 55,000 attendees with 1,500+ quilts, cloth dolls and garments on display; more than 1,000 booths selling antique and contemporary quilts,supplies, books, notions, antiques, and crafts; and more than 400+ classes, lectures, and events for all skill levels. The 2009 Festival is scheduled for October 15-18 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX.For more information, visit www.QUILTS.com or phone: 713-781-6864.
• ABOUT CC CUSTOM GRAPHICS:
CC Custom Graphics is a custom paint shop/art studio built on the principles of providing reliable, personal service and value for all of their clients. Their professional recognition and diversified ability has established their place in the custom painting industry, and rapidly gaining recognition utilizing their automotive painting technology to create some of the most unique works of art. This allows them to make a distinctive and substantial impact for their clients. For more information about the artist, Christopher Cofield or CC Custom Graphics visit: www.CCCUSTOMGRAPHICS.com or phone: 816-916-4995 (CST).
