Sewn Creations Bring Warmth, Beauty to MSUB Library Quilt Show

The recent blustery days serve as a stark reminder of changing seasons and impending winter on the northern plains. Yet for much of the next two months, the Montana State University Billings Library will feature yards and yards of reminders of another kind — the warmth and strength of fabric and stitching.

As students begin spring semester January 11, they will be welcomed to the library by a display of dozens of colorful, festive and warm quilts.

The ninth annual MSU Billings Library Quilt Show is on display from January 11 to February 29 at the university’s four-year campus, 1500 University Drive. The show is free and open to the public.

The show, started in 2004 with a handful of quilts donated by the faculty and staff, has been an ongoing passion of Kathy Gurney, who is the government documents and serials technician at the library. A quilter herself, Gurney favors the bold colors and patterns and contributes to the items that hang from various parts of the library’s ceiling on the main floor. This year, she has brought in three new quilts for the show.

Open to anyone who wants to show a favorite piece of work or a family heirloom, the show is designed to be a friendly way to share a love of quilts. It is not a competitive show, said Gurney.

The public is invited to view the MSU Billings Library Quilt Show during the regular spring semester library hours, Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m.

Gurney welcomes questions at 657-1659 or by e-mail at kgurney@msubillings.edu.