Since 2009, Queensland Quilters Inc has showcased members’ work through its juried STATE of the ART – Quilt Exhibition (SOTA).

Since it began, SOTA has presented 20 to 30 quilts each year, offering a strong showcase of Queensland Quilters members’ talent.

All members may enter this juried exhibition. The juror—often a local or nationally recognised textile artist—reviews images of each entry, including one full view and one detail, and selects a cohesive exhibition from those images alone. It is a challenging task.

For entrants, the reward is being selected for SOTA and having their quilts displayed in Queensland art galleries.

The exhibition travels throughout south-east Queensland, introducing quilting as an art form to a wider public. It helps visitors recognise quilts as art pieces. Some works are offered for sale during the exhibitions, and several have sold. To date, SOTA has been shown in Boonah, Childers, Charleville, Redlands, Caboolture, Warwick, Crows Nest, Gatton and Chinchilla.

Each year, we aim to hold an opening or launch event. In 2018, the opening was held at Boonah Art Gallery, where Queensland Quilters members were well represented at the first viewing of that year’s exhibition. First-time entrants who are selected often find it exciting to see their work displayed in an art gallery. Regional art galleries have been very supportive, accepting the exhibition before seeing the pieces.

In 2018, SOTA was judged for the first time, with First Prize sponsored by BERNINA Australia and Second and Third Prizes sponsored by Queensland Quilters Inc.