2012 River’s Edge International Film Festival Welcomes Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics

Now that the dates are drawing near, we want to make sure that the following, exciting news is on your radar!

We’re pleased and proud to announce that the documentary, Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics, has been juried into the 2012 River’s Edge International Film Festival, to be held in Paducah, KY, November 1 – 4. Four episodes of the series, each running approximately 26 minutes, will be shown together on two days at two different venues–1 pm, Friday, November 2 at the Maiden Alley Cinema and 5 pm, Saturday, November 3, at the Market House Studio Theater–and WQM executive producer and host Shelly Zegart will be on hand to celebrate.

The episodes to be shown include Episode 1:  Quilts 101 – Antique & Contemporary Quilts, Episode 4:  What is Art?, Episode 6:  How Quilts Have Been Viewed and Collected, and Episode 8:  Quilt Nation – 20,000,000 and Counting!. Total running time is approximately 104 minutes, affording viewers a healthy sampling of the landmark nine-part series that continues to draw accolades from the quilting, academic, and art communities.

Hunt Cornucopia Medallion, c. 1815, 102″ x 104″, made by a member of the Vaux-Read family, collection of The Charleston Museum, Charleston, SC; this quilt appears in Episode 6 of the documentary, Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics.

Celebrating its 8th year, the four-day River’s Edge International Film Festival  is built around the showing of quality independent film from around the world. Focus is both on the film lover, providing multiple venues in which to experience the best the world of cinema has to offer, and on the film maker, offering opportunities for exhibition, education, and networking with contemporaries. Paducah, the host city, already has a burgeoning visual and performing arts scene, and the film festival is a perfect fit for this smart, arts-oriented, mid-American river town.

Birds of a Different Color, 1999, 93″ x 74″, made by Caryl Bryer Fallert, Paducah, KY, collection of the National Quilt Museum; this quilt appears in Episode 1 of the documentary Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics.

A $50 pass allows access to all the films playing all weekend in a total of three different venues, as well as after parties and other event benefits. For details, visit the River’s Edge International Film Festival website or contact Landee W. Bryant, REIFF Director, at 270-442-7723.

While in town, you might also want to visit the National Quilt Museum and the Yeiser Art Center, both located in downtown Paducah. Check out their respective websites for info about their current exhibits, hours, and admission fees.

National Quilt Museum, located at 215 Jefferson Street, Paducah: must-see for quilters and quilt lovers

Can’t make it to Paducah? View the series at home by purchasing your own personal copy of the two-DVD set, which includes all nine episodes, as well as bonus features not available anywhere else. A brand-new Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics Discussion Guide is also available to enhance the viewing experience.

As always, we thank you for your past and continued support of Why Quilts Matter.