ABOVE: Carolyn Seidel and her half/square medallion quilt on Wednesday at the Red Rock Center in Fairmont. Seidel is one of many area quilters whose works are on display at the Red Rock during November and December.

FAIRMONT- The Red Rock Center for the Arts in Fairmont will have a new exhibit opening on Thursday featuring items made by the local chapter of the Prairie Star Quilters.

The exhibit consists of several dozen quilts and quilted objects, many of which are holiday themed. These are made in a variety of different styles and sizes by a wide range of quilters with varying amounts of experience.

“As you walk around you will notice the variety of techniques and creativity of the quilts. It isn’t just a foursquare or star pattern, there’s a lot of beautiful designs in the quilts and in the fabrics,” said Debbie Wallace, a member of the Prairie Star Quilters whose work is included in the exhibit.

Some items were hand-quilted while others were designed and cut by one quilter and then assembled by another using a specialized longarm sewing machine. Wallace said the designs on the items can represent both the quilters and the circumstances in which they were created.

“We make a lot of quilts by seasons; there’s a lot of fall fabrics and colors. … You can buy fabric with any number of themes in the fabric … and you can go to any quilt store that really speaks to you and you can make something beautiful to share with your family or make yourself happy,” said Wallace.

For Wallace quilting has been an enjoyable and fulfilling hobby that helps her express herself.

“It’s a fun, creative outlet; it’s very calming. The only rule in quilting is ‘don’t bleed on the quilt’ and that’s pretty simple. … You can put them together however you want … it’s fun, it’s creative, and you can take it along with you,” said Wallace.

In addition to being an enjoyable and relaxing hobby, Wallace said quilting has helped her get to know more people in the community.

“There’s a lot of quilting interest around the area. I don’t think it’s a dying art, I think it’s a very living art,” said Wallace.

Wallace estimates the Prairie Star Quilters have between 40 and 50 members in the area. Outside of the exhibition members meet each month to improve their quilting abilities and work on projects. The group also engages in several service projects and donates quilts to people in need. The organization is open to everyone with an interest in quilting.

This will be the organization’s second exhibition at the Red Rock Center after the COVID-19 pandemic stopped them from hosting their regular quilt shows. The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 16. The Red Rock Center will also be hosting a meet and greet on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. where visitors can meet some of the quilters while looking at the items on display.

The items on display at the Red Rock are not available for purchase but those interested may be able to commission a quilt from a particular quilter.

“None of them as far as I know are available for sale. … I think there are several members who would be available for making an individual quilt,” said Wallace.