Ag Museum Hosts Exhibit of the Thomas Fire Quilt Relief Project

The Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula, will host an opening reception, 1 to 3 p.m., Dec. 8, for Wrapped With Care, an exhibit of quilts from the Thomas Fire Quilt Relief Project, along with cards and messages from both quilters from across the country and recipients of the quilts. The Thomas Fire Quilt Relief Project was started by the Ventura Modern Quilt Guild, a local group of about 60 modern quilt makers who create quilts and other textile items to donate to local charitable concerns supporting children and others in need. In response to the Thomas Fire in Dec. 2017, the group started stitching together comforters to donate to those who lost so much in the Thomas Fire and the Montecito mudslide in January. To date, the group has made over 1,200 quilts, with much of their fabric provided by donors from across 49 states and seven countries.

The idea started when one of the Ventura quilt guild members created a project block, a template for nine small squares. It takes six blocks by seven blocks to make a whole quilt. A national quilting association got wind of the project and publicized it in a newsletter, resulting in so many supplies and quilts being donated that an office was donated to hold them all.

“In a time of such sorrow for our community, it’s important to continue to raise up the stories of those who jump in and help,” said Elena Brokaw, Barbara Barnard Smith executive director for the Museum. “This is one of those unique stories, with people reaching out from across the world to provide comfort to those in need. The quilts are beautiful pieces of artwork and also a testament to how creativity and art can make connections between strangers and provide solace to people in time of need.”

The opening reception is free to attend with general admission to the museum. Ample free parking is available. The Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Ave, Santa Paula. For information call 805-525-3100.