These Quilts Got Stories: A Bed Turning Event @ Chromophore Artspace

OVERVIEW:

Join us for a special Bed Turning of handmade quilts, and share in the stories they tell about the time and the hands that created them.

Get ready for a unique experience on Sunday, November 15, 2026:
2:00 -4:00 PM at Chromophore Artspace: 309 N. Adams Street / Richmond VA 23220

What is a bed turning? It's like a live, interactive quilt show where we'll explore a set of hand-made quilts in a group setting, and see what these quilts have to say - because believe us, they are talking!
We are returning to Richmond's Historic Jackson Ward - in the cozy, off Broad art home at Chromophore Artspace. This gallery and community gathering space was intentionally chosen - a small business, Black woman-owned gallery in the city!

The EVENT:
You will experience a modern-day "parlor" style quilt honoring, as each quilt is turned back, on the actual bed we'll have installed, to reveal it's beauty, construction and the story of the maker, if known. This tradition dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but has been mostly lost, outside turnings at quilt shows.
We'll have refreshments, a quilt raffle, and a peaceful environment to relax, breathe easy and connect with others.
Key Event Features:

• This event is meant to be interactive and social, not a lecture!
• We'll give out some special paper block cards at the door to ensure there are many voices activated.
• Intermission w/ refreshments!
• 10 attendees will have the opportunity to bring a favorite quilt from their collection, to share in a 3-minute "turn".
• A Quilt Raffle!

This tradition of turning - revealing quilts one-by-one folding them down on the bed - has roots across the ages and communities where quilting was not only a craft but a necessity. Turning quilts stacked on a bed not only changed with the seasons, but became a time for the maker to showcase their work, mainly the handwork of women.

Information on Bed Turnings is somewhat limited - learn a bit more about them here and here, and watch a quilt show turning event video here and another Bed Turning event video here!

JOIN US!
All are welcome to this evening of community and culture sharing. Seats will likely fill fast, so don't miss out on this first of what we hope will be a recurring seasonal event in the region!

Check out our FAQs, the event Agenda (We have a plan, but we're not too tight with these stitches) ... and get your ticket!

• Event Organizer: Kristin Hott @kristinhott (Instagram)

Event venue & nearby stays

309 N Adams St, 309 North Adams Street, Richmond, United States

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