In only a few days, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Hayesville will welcome hundreds of visitors to its Sacred Threads Art Quilts Exhibition. Starting May 10, those who appreciate the creation of a beautiful quilt or those who appreciate the power of a story that one human shares with another can view 40 pieces of art that comprise the 2016 traveling exhibit of Sacred Threads.

Hayesville's Good Shepherd is the only venue in North Carolina selected to host the travel exhibit. Most other venues are located in major cities such as Washington, D.C. And Atlanta. The 40 quilts have been selected from an exhibition of over 300 quilts presented biennially in Virginia.

Created by artists from all over the US and Canada, the quilts were inspired by the artists' strong feelings, ranging from despair to delight, from tragedy to hope. When viewers hear the stories behind the creation of the quilts, they will be equally amazed and moved.

In “A Poppy for Mother,” artist Karen Ponischil of Charlotte, NC, expresses the range of her emotions as she watched her mother succumb to Alzheimer's disease. The work served as both her daily escape and a part of her healing process.

Sacred Threads is scheduled for May 10-23, Tuesdays—Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 1:00—5:00. The show is open to the public and is free, though a $5.00 donation is suggested. The church is located at 495 Herbert Hills Drive, Hayesville, about one mile east of Walgreen's.

For more information about attending the show, contact Jane Oliver: janeholiver@bellsouth.net. For information about lodging or dining in the Hayesville area, contact the Chamber of Commerce in Hayesville or in Hiawassee, GA. To learn more about Sacred Threads, see their website: www.sacredthreadsquilts.com.