I Quilt: Cranbrook, BC, 2022
by Erin Knutson and Susan Little
In 2022, the Cranbrook Arts 1401 Gallery hosted a groundbreaking exhibit entitled “I Quilt.” This exhibit not only celebrated the unique and innovative quilting techniques of the Cranbrook Quilters Guild (CQG) members but also left the audience intrigued and inspired by their exceptional creativity and skill.
“I Quilt” marked a significant milestone for quilting in Cranbrook, where quilts and smaller quilted pieces were seen as art. “With its distinctive approach to preserving the art of quilting, the Guild firmly established itself as a beacon of the craft,” said CQG member Susan Little.
The CQG reached out to the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History (CBIRH) to build a virtual exhibit documenting their journey as a guild. With the successful launch of the online exhibit (cranbrookquiltersguildhistory.ca), the CBIRH and the CQG have effectively brought the rich history and art of quilting to a global audience, fostering connections among enthusiasts and historians worldwide.
The historical Guild website showcases the contributions made by the Guild and its members to the broader Cranbrook community since its inception in 1985. The work on this site was funded by the Columbia Basin Trust, the Regional District of East Kootenay, ReDi Grant contributions from the City of Cranbrook, Electoral Area C and E and entailed many hours of donated time.
Viewers can scroll through the CQG’s narrative and witness the evolution of the art of quilt-making. From its humble beginnings as a gathering place to learn and share quilting skills to hosting workshops and building a reference library, the CQG has emerged as a significant and respected member of the East Kootenay regional community.
Through their dedication and skill, these women have donated thousands of quilts to local social and health services and to individuals affected by natural disasters and personal tragedies. The Guild’s significant participation in national and international campaigns such as Rotaplast and Quilts of Valour reflects their strong community spirit, global impact and the importance of mixing art with utilitarianism. These heartwarming stories and more are viewable in the exhibit.
The CBIRH is a non-profit digital historical organization that collaborates with nine community partners and museums from throughout the Columbia Basin. It has also collaborated with groups as diverse as the City of Cranbrook, School District No. 5 and Trench magazine, and has published two volumes of East Kootenay history: Forgotten Cranbrook and Forgotten Kimberley.
The public can also view the exhibit at Cranbrook Quilters Guild History website or on the CBIRH website here. Donations are welcome to help support the critical work of preserving our shared history of arts and culture. Historical photographs can be purchased through the CBIRH online kiosk for print or digital copy.
Learn more about the Cranbrook Quilters Guild here.
