The 2006 Connections Quilt Challenge was funded through the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization program, administered by the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts.
In collaboration, Connections and the Basketeers Quilt Club, under the sponsorship of Catholic Charities  opened the Quilt Challenge to  interested quilters in Livingston County.  Members of the two clubs atteneded classes together to learn skills and techniques.  Other area quilters were invited to join in the challenge as well.
Each participant was given 1/4 yard of the same fabric and directions to use this fabric along with additional fabrics of their own choosing to create a wall hanging.  The resulting quilt are original designs and include the techniques taught in the classes.
Workshops were offered at regular meetings of each group to assist participants in completing their project.

The quilt challenge activity reflects the very nature of quilting.  It is a creative activity which has both a quiet, even solitary component.  Yet, from the earliest days of the history of this country, the community building aspect of quilting has been recognized.  This challenge introduced individuals to quilting in a community setting and then allowed us to share the creative energy of the participants with the community.
Quilts will be on display throughout Livingston County during the months of September, October and November.  Many quilter will donate their quilts to be sold to raise funds to support future events.
A special thanks goes to the following people and organizations for helping facilitate this challenge.

Genesee Valley Council on the Arts
Catholic Charities of Livingston County
Basketeers Club
Material Rewards
Karen Emerton
Marcia Palermo
Lynda Hally
Mary Ann Thompson