“What an honor and a pleasure it is to bring the travel exhibit of the Sacred Threads Exhibition of art quilts back to Clay County, NC,” says Jane Oliver, Co-Chairperson of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church’s Arts and Spirituality Ministry.

           “Over a thousand people came to visit this show at Good Shepherd in 2016. Now, we are very excited about the 36 NEW quilts we will share with the community this summer, from July 15th through the 29th,” Oliver continues.

“Sacred Threads” made such a unique and rewarding experience for individuals and groups alike during its 2016 visit, organizers suggest planning a visit now, although the show is almost 2 months away.

The exhibition will be mounted in Good Shepherd’s Parish Hall. The church is located at 495 Herbert Hills Drive, Hayesville, NC. There is no charge for entry to the exhibition, although donations are gratefully accepted.

           “These art quilts are made by fiber artists from all across the United States and Canada,” Oliver explains. “The artists’ stories as well as the quilts will grab everyone’s hearts and touch them deeply.”

           The collection of fiber art is spiritual in nature although not specifically religious.  The exhibition describes itself as “exploring themes of spirituality, joy, inspiration, peace, brotherhood, grief and healing.”

           The 2016 exhibition was a great success for Good Shepherd and its growing Arts and Spirituality Ministry.

           “Good Shepherd was blessed to welcome over 1,000 guests at the first Sacred Threads exhibit,” says Good Shepherd Rector Father Bill Breedlove. “We look forward once again to sharing these works of art with the community. 2016 was a deeply spiritual experience for many who attended, and we anticipate the same to be true this time.”

     “Sacred Threads” will be traveling to approximately 9 other cities across the country through May of 2019. Although it is a juried exhibition, there are no “winners.”

     According to the “Sacred Threads” organization, this biennial exhibition was established in 2001 to provide a safe venue for quilters who see their work as a connection to the sacred and/or as an expression of their spiritual journey.

      The objective is to create a dignified exhibition of artwork that touches all those who view it on both spiritual and personal levels. Another objective is to share with others the experiences of quilters whose stories may be a source of healing and strength.

           The 2018 exhibition features an array of color, emotions, and personal stories.

      From the sweet charm of “Lollipop,” an homage to one quilter’s grandchild, to “Neon” which celebrates the beauty of women of color, the individual quilts reach out to the viewer with power, loveliness, and an embracing sense of brotherhood.

           Good Shepherd’s Parish Hall is a well-lit, comfortable venue, well suited for individuals and groups alike. Exhibition hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday/Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is open on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

           Hayesville, NC’s “small town but sophisticated” character makes it a wonderful destination, providing visitors with a wealth of restaurants and scenic beauty, as does nearby Hiawassee, GA. Clay County and Towns County Chambers of Commerce welcome inquiries about lodging and dining.

           For more information about Sacred Threads, contact Jane Oliver at janeholiver@bellsouth.net.

           For additional information about the individual quilts and artists, visit www.sacredthreadsquilts.com