So far in our series on the 2017 Des Moines Quilt Show we have highlighted the quilted faces that were exhibited, the amazing things quilters can do with just a few simple shapes and some of the special exhibits at the show. Now it’s time for the best of the rest. Enjoy.

“Beach Walk” by Kathy McNeil.

 

“Monet in Pasadena,” by Melinda Bula.

 

Here’s the winner of “Best in Show” from the American Quilters Society: “Roots and Branches” by Christina McCann of Depoe Bay Oregon. I’m glad it’s not my job to pick the best of the best.

 

“Imaging India” by Pat Holly.

 

“Elegance in Red” by JoAnn Nichols.

 

Dark Matter. Scientists know it is out there in the vastness of the universe, they just know much about it yet. This quilt by Jenifer Emry is entitled “Dark Matter” and pretty much sums up how much scientists know about the mysterious substance.

 

This quilt is a nod to Rube Goldberg, who is best known for a series of popular cartoons depicting complicated gadgets that perform simple tasks in indirect, convoluted ways. It is entitled “Rube Goes Quilting” and is by Linda Beachy-Hughes.

 

Allow me to get a little preachy with this quilt. It is a beautiful work by Deborah Lord Treiber entitled “Easter Sunday.” While the colors certainly suggest Easter, there is no reference to the real meaning of Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

 

Left to right: “Kaleidoscope Trees” by Judith Phelps, “L’Isle-aux-Coudres” by Bridgette Villeneuve and “Deer in the Woods” by Margaret Stiffler.

 

This was in the “just a little bit creepy” category for me. It is entitled “Don’t Mourn Me – My Funeral Quilt” by Karla Nitz.

 

“The Elephant In the Quilt Room” by Elizabeth Owens.

 

“Suwon Hwasong” by Mikjung Jang and “Sublime” by Valerie Funk.

 

Another quilt from the winners circle: “Lepidopteran #4” by Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry

 

“Modern Art” by Mariko Miwa and “Dreaming Up a Quilt” by Barbara Triscari

 

“The Cross of Christ” by Carol French and “Have You Any Wool” by Darlene Glidewell

 

Let’s have the next quilt show here! “The Ventian” by Jan Soules.