KAQG:  A BRIEF HISTORY

 

A group of students who had taken a quilting class given by Peggy Hicks organized as the "Quilting Bees" in the spring of 1977. Those present at the first meeting were: Marti Garrison, Peggy Harper, Peggy Hicks, Jeanette LaRose, Judie Montano, Patti Rogers, Jackie Runyan and Merijane Vladyka. The membership quickly grew to over twenty.

The Guild participated in the Kingwood Art Show in the summer of 1977 and held its first bazaar that same fall in front of Top Stitch in the Kingwood Shopping Center.

One of the group's early projects was the Kingwood Quilt. The idea of a quilt, as a celebration of Kingwood, was conceived in February, 1978. The quilt was designed by Merijane Vladyka.  Twenty-four members, many beginning quilters at the time, worked on the blocks. The quilt was raffled, raising over $1,800.00 which was donated to KAEMSA.  It was won by Ann Davis of Crosby.  Exxon eventually bought the quilt from the Davises and gave it - as a corporate Christmas gift - to the King Ranch, their co-developer of Kingwood.

During the time of work on the quilt, the name of the organization was changed to Kingwood Quilt Guild.  In 1983, with members coming from a wider geographical area, the name became the Kingwood Area Quilt Guild.

The Guild has grown to a membership of approximately 200.

 

 PAST PRESIDENTS

 

TRAILBLAZER AWARD

 

“In Pioneer America the Trailblazer was the one who scouted new terrain, assessed its possibilities, and left his mark as a path for others to follow.''  (Kay Hudec, 1983)

The Trailblazer Award was instituted in February, 1984; for outstanding leadership and service to the Guild and the art of quilting. The award is given at the discretion of the Board and nominations from the membership may be presented to the Board for consideration. The award is not necessarily an annual award but is appropriately given as our highest award.

 

SILVER THIMBLE AWARD

 

The Silver Thimble Award is given annually to an individual or individuals within the Kingwood Area Quilt Guild in recognition of their exceptional efforts to promote the art of quilting through outstanding dedication to the skills, knowledge, and personal involvement in guild activities. The recipients are chosen by a vote of the general guild membership.

 

 

GOLDEN NEEDLER AWARD

 

 

The Golden Needler Award, initiated in 1983, is given to a Kingwood Area Quilt Guild member's spouse who has distinguished himself for his excellent taste, superior judgment, discriminating faculties, and long-standing support of quilting activities.

 

 

HALL OF FAME AWARD

 

 

This new award was created in 1999 to recognize members who have already won a Silver Thimble and have continued to offer the Guild years of outstanding service.  There can only be two given in any one year; however, the award does not have to be given every year.