About APWQ

Mission Statement

The Association of Pacific West Quilters (APWQ) promotes the art of quiltmaking and encourages and rewards quiltmakers in the greater western regions of the U.S. and Canada. APWQ presents an annual juried and judged quilt exhibition and show and seeks to provide quilt-related enrichment programs for the community of quilters and the public.

Value Statement

We value:

  •  Quiltmaking as an art form
  •  Excellence in quiltmaking
  •  The traditions of the past and the opportunities of the future
  •  The essential contributions of volunteers

History

In 1992 a small group of volunteers from the Puget Sound area, the Olympic Peninsula and eastern Washington formed the “Association of Pacific Northwest Quilters.” The association's objective was to present a high-quality juried and judged quilt show. Since the first show in 1994, thousands of people from across the country and abroad have enjoyed the quilt show.

In 2009 the Association changed its name to reflect its growing region. The Association of Pacific West Quilters (APWQ) now includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming in the United States, and Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan and Yukon in Canada. While membership is open to everyone, only those who reside in the defined Pacific West region are eligible to enter the contest.  

APWQ Activities 

Producing the Pacific West Quilt Show is the principle activity of APWQ as it strives to provide an impressive venue and a high level of competition for quilters across the region.

In August 2012, 6000 people attended the Pacific West Quilt Show at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, Tacoma, WA. They enjoyed - and were inspired by - over 500 stunning quilts on display, great shopping, fantastic and informative lectures, an exciting Saturday Sampler of learning opportunities, and the great Pacific West Style Fashion Show.

Always looking for new and improved opportunities to serve its members and the public, the 2012 Pacific West Quilt Show offered a variety of quilt-related workshops, in addition to all the other exciting events at the show!