Quilting Contest Focus of International Year of Older Persons

Michigan Office of Services to the Aging Director, Lynn Alexander, invites all Michigan quilters to join in a statewide celebration of the 1999 International Year of Older Persons. Interested persons can compete for a place in this history-making project by creating a quilt square that honors older adults’ contributions to Michigan. Winning squares will become part of the "Towards a Society for all Ages" quilt exhibit slated for Spring 2000 at the Michigan Historical Center.

The United Nations has declared 1999 the International Year of Older Persons, a historic celebration of the wisdom, heritage, and tradition made possible through our older citizens. The theme, "towards a society for all ages," encourages the understanding that the overall quality of life and health of society improves when generations work hand-in-hand to reach common goals.

"We are pleased to offer the quilt contest as a way of capping off a very successful year’s celebration," said Alexander.

The commemorative project is designed as a permanent, visual record of Michigan’s commitment to the celebration's guiding principles of independence, participation, caring, self-fulfillment and dignity for all citizens. An exhibit of five quilts, each with a different theme, is planned. With quilt themes of "Golden Years;" "Michigan Memories;" "Diversity;" "Michigan Women," and "Life Changes," the Office of Services to the Aging anticipates capturing the essence of the celebration in fabric and thread.

Quilters of all ages, skill levels, and geographic locations are invited to participate. Quilt blocks will be judged on workmanship, expression of thought and the story behind the block. Submissions of quilt squares must be received on or before Wednesday, October 27, 1999 to be considered. Those quilters whose work is selected to become a part of the exhibition will be invited to a special reception held in conjunction with the opening of the exhibit. The Michigan Historical Center in downtown Lansing will host the quilt exhibit for general public viewing in May of 2000. A commemorative booklet will accompany the exhibit.

A pamphlet explaining the contest requirements is available by calling Shirley Bentsen, project coordinator at Office of Services to the Aging (517) 373-8765 between 8 am and 5 pm weekdays.