With a heavy heart, I announce that my time as The National Quilt Museum CEO will come to an end in July 2021. It has been my honor to serve the quilting community in this role over the last ten years. While I’m proud of what we have accomplished, I can unequivocally say that I’ve gained far more from the experience than any contribution I may have made. Working at the museum has been a gift that will forever be with me. With this, my last commentary, I simply want to say thank you.
Thank you to the amazing teammates I have worked with over the last ten years. I have been tremendously lucky to work with so many dedicated and talented team members. The National Quilt Museum team lives the museum’s mission every day. They serve the quilting community, bringing your work to audiences worldwide through exhibits, programs, advocacy, and above all else, passion! Next time you are at the museum, please thank this team for their commitment to quilting!
Thank you to the extraordinarily talented artists that I have gotten to know through the years. As a whole, quilters are among the most talented and kindest artists I have ever met. Your extraordinary artwork is what makes all of this possible. Big thank you to each and every one of you for sharing your unique talents with the museum. Meeting the artists is one of the things I will miss the most.
Before I go on, I have a challenge for all quilters, quilt support organizations, quilt industry suppliers, and all other people involved with quilting. If my time as CEO of The National Quilt Museum can be remembered for one thing, I would like it to be my fervent belief that QUILTERS ARE ARTISTS and should be respected at the same level as artists that work in any other artistic medium! I challenge everyone passionate about quilting to take up this mantle and continue spreading this message. The amazing artists in our community deserve nothing less.
Thank you to the museum's volunteer team. The museum would not be able to function without our amazing team of volunteers. These devoted advocates donate thousands of hours a year illuminating the museum experience. Volunteers work in almost every department. Most likely, any time you visited the museum, you interacted with at least one volunteer. Please give these selfless philanthropists a huge thank you for everything they do.
Thank you to everyone that supports the museum financially. The National Quilt Museum is a 501c3 nonprofit organization primarily funded by the quilting community. If you support the museum financially, regardless of the amount, you show your support for the future of quilting. Your donations directly fund museum exhibits, educational programs, quilt preservation efforts, and advocacy campaigns bringing quilting to thousands of new people around the globe every year! Thank you for your kindness and generosity. I am personally asking you to continue supporting the museum going forward. A complete list of ways you can help the museum financially can be found at www.QuiltMuseum.org/planmygift. The museum is successful due to our supporters, and we need everyone passionate about quilting involved.
Lastly, thank you to the wonderful people and organizations in Paducah that support the museum. The museum’s success is fueled by the support of hundreds of people and organizations in Paducah and McCracken County, including the Paducah Ambassadors, the Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau, The City of Paducah, the Carson-Myre Foundation, Rotary Club of Paducah, Paducah Hospitality, the AQS Quilt Show, quilt shops, downtown and lower town attractions and businesses, journalists, restaurants, and many service providers. My apologies if I left anyone out. Thank you to everyone in the Paducah area that plays a role in our success.
The National Quilt Museum is a magical place that brings the work of exceptional artists to a global audience. As CEO, I played a small role in an organization powered by the passions of thousands. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in this role. Thank you so much!
