Local hands, local hearts on display at the BCNE

“A quilt is layers of love,” said Marwood, president of the Prince George Quilters Guild. “We do it because we like to be creative, to be artistic, to be a part of a community. We love to work together, and we’re always learning.”

The home arts and horticulture section has been part of the fair for many years. Chairperson Tanis Forgues said it started with homesteading traditions like quilting, painting, preserving vegetables, and growing flowers.

“It’s your passion for what you like to do,” Forgues said.

This year, there are about 125 entries in all categories. Forgues said people of all ages are taking part.

“They’ve got entries from toddlers up to seniors,” she said. “So they’re going to see quilts, paintings, and preserves. We have farm-fresh eggs coming in, along with all kinds of amazing things.”

There are also new categories this year. One has a Halloween theme, and another celebrates blueberries, since B.C. is the country’s top blueberry producer. Forgues said a group of teens visited last year and became interested in creative writing, so this year there are many writing entries.

Quilting is still one of the main attractions. Forgues said over 100 quilts were entered in the competition, with even more on display.

Marwood said the exhibition is just as much about the people as it is about the quilts. Quilters gather all weekend to share their passion and learn from each other.

“Every time I go to the guild to quilt, I learn something from somebody else,” she said.

All the work adds up. Marwood said she is finishing a quilt made of 1.5-inch squares that will probably take her until spring. She said the recognition makes all those hours worthwhile.

“I feel like I’ve been acknowledged that I’ve done a good job on making that quilt,” she said.

That sense of community goes beyond the fairgrounds. Marwood said the guild has sent quilts to Tumbler Ridge when help was needed, taking them right from her closet.

Some entries are judged, while others are just for display. Marwood said judges pay close attention to colour combinations and how well a quilt is made. The binding is important, and the quilting is part of the work, but the quilt top is the main focus for judging.

The British Columbia Northern Exhibition is organized by the Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association, which began in 1912 and has been running for over 100 years. Forgues said the goal of the home arts section is simple: to celebrate local people, farmers, and artists.

“This is a great place to do that,” she said.

by Dave Branco

Local hands, local hearts on display at the BCNE

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