Residents and visitors will be in for quite a treat this weekend as the Middle Smithfield Township (MST) hosts a one-of-a-kind quilt exhibit.
Among the fifty magnificent works of art showcased this weekend are appliqued, embroidered, batik, painted fabric, and traditionally pieced quilts created, pieced, and crafted by Middle Smithfield Township residents- both past and present. The exhibit was organized by long-time quilters and MST residents Jennifer C. Rourke and Patricia J. Griffin.
“Some of the quilts being exhibited are on loan from families of deceased members of a group who called themselves the Friendly Quilters. They met weekly at the home of one of the members. They arrived early, brought their lunch, and stayed until late afternoon. Over the years, they completed hundreds of quilts.” Said organizer Patricia J. Griffin. “All the income the group received for their service was donated to numerous organizations in the Monroe County area.”
Among the exhibit’s highlights is a 50th Anniversary quilt on loan from Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm in Stroudsburg, designed by an MST resident with contributions from other residents.
“We have incredibly talented and hard-working residents in Middle Smithfield Township, and it is an honor to be able to showcase their work,” said Holly Dennis, Community and Cultural Center Facility Manager. “Middle Smithfield Township has such a rich history, and it’s our mission to preserve that history as well as educate our community. Having such a vast display of quilts that tell the stories of both past and present residents is such a beautiful thing.”
Exhibit hours are from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday, August 6, and Sunday, August 7. The event will kick off with a reception from 6–8 pm on Friday, August 5, where light refreshments will be served. The Middle Smithfield Township Community & Cultural Center is located at 5200 Milford Road in East Stroudsburg, PA.
