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The Hansen Museum’s first-ever Open Call Quilt Exhibition has been an overwhelming success. In total, the exhibition features 57 entries—including 18 wall hangings, 12 table runners, and 27 full-sized quilts—each one a beautiful and thoughtfully crafted work of art. The variety of styles, techniques, and personal expression on display has made this exhibition especially engaging for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
After weeks of inspiring visitors, the exhibition is entering its final days. Sudnay, January 25, is the final day to view these stunning textiles, so we encourage everyone to stop by before the exhibition concludes.. Voting for the Viewer’s Choice Award will remain open through the final day of the show, with votes tallied at the close of the exhibition.
Choosing a favorite piece has proven to be no easy task. Numerous patrons have commented that the quality of work is so high, they wish they could vote for one piece in each category. We appreciate this thoughtful feedback and promise to take it under advisement as we plan future Open Call Quilt Exhibitions.
Each entry is unique and wonderfully crafted, and it has been fascinating to observe how visitors approach the voting process. Some are drawn to familiar names—perhaps a friend, neighbor, or family member—while others vote purely based on what they find most aesthetically pleasing. Quilters, in particular, often take a more analytical approach, setting aside personal preference to focus on the difficulty level, precision, and mastery of technique. The beauty of the Viewer’s Choice Award is that it is exactly that—it is your choice.
Quilts have a long and remarkable history as a means of expression, particularly for women. Before women had the right to vote, quilts were often used to convey political opinions, personal beliefs, and social commentary. Quilts have also been associated with hidden messaging; for example, those displayed on clotheslines were sometimes used to communicate vital information to escaping slaves, signaling whether a home was safe or which direction to travel.
Although quilts were once primarily made for warmth and necessity, their use has long since evolved into a respected art form. In today’s world, the arts are often viewed as an expensive hobby, yet they remain a vital means for artists to express themselves, share stories, and connect with others. While many modern quilters—still predominantly women—now have additional avenues to share their thoughts and opinions, quilting continues to be a deeply meaningful and expressive tradition.
Before the exhibition closes on January 25, we encourage you to stop in, take your time with these remarkable quilts, and cast your vote for the Viewer’s Choice Award. Whether you are a quilter yourself or simply appreciate fine craftsmanship, your participation helps celebrate the artists and the tradition they represent.
We hope to see you at the Museum soon. The Hansen Museum is located at 110 W. Main Street in Logan, Kansas. Hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00–12:00 and 1:00–4:00; Saturday, 9:00–12:00 and 1:00–5:00; and Sunday and holidays, 1:00–5:00. The Museum is fully handicap-accessible, and thanks to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, admission is always free. For more information, please call 785-689-4846.
