If you are planning to submit a quilt for the 2027 exhibition, please read over these guidelines. If you have any questions, contact exhibits@billingsfarm.org or call (802) 457-2355 ext. 309.

The Basics

The Vermont Quilt Sampler Exhibition is a juried exhibition open to open to all residents of Vermont and out-of-state members of Vermont quilt guilds. The exhibition will be displayed in the Billings Farm Historic Barn gallery from July 3 – September 6, 2027. The exhibition is included with admission to Billings Farm & Museum.

Important Dates

Submissions Open	Monday, March 1, 9:00AM
Submissions Close	Sunday, March 31, 11:59 PM
Notification of Acceptance	Friday, May 7
Accepted Quilts Received by	Saturday, June 19, 5:00PM
Opening Reception & Awards	Friday, July 9
Exhibition Dates	July 3 – September 6
People’s Choice Awards Announced	Tuesday, August 17
Quilt Pick Up/Return by	Friday, September 11, 4:00PM

Selection Process and What We’re Looking For

The exhibition selection committee includes members of the Billings Farm & Museum curatorial team. To embrace the rich tapestry of quilting talent from across the state, the exhibition curators select approximately 50 quilts from the many deserving entries to create a display that spans a spectrum of abilities inspirations, and techniques, showcasing both traditional and modern styles. Most importantly, Billings Farm & Museum will give additional weight in the selection process to the stories that are stitched into each quilt and the connection to community that these represent. Additional consideration will be given to first-time quilters, recognizing their important role in carrying on the quilting tradition.

General Rules

Entry is open to all residents of Vermont and out-of-state members of Vermont quilt guilds.

• For quilts with more than one maker, at least one piecer must be from Vermont.
• Quilters may submit up to two quilts for consideration.
• Quilts previously exhibited at the Billings Farm & Museum Quilt Exhibition will not be considered.
• All quilts must meet the following requirements:
  • Quilts must be completed after January 1, 2025.
  • Quilts’ perimeters must be under 350 inches.
  • Quilts may be pieced, appliquéd, or a combination of these techniques, and hand-quilted, machine-quilted, or tied.
  • Quilts made from commercially prepared kits will not be accepted.

Curatorial Policies

• All individuals who worked on the design or construction of the entry, whether paid or not, must be properly credited.
• Billings Farm & Museum reserves the right to reject or disqualify any quilt they deem to be misrepresented in the photos during the entry process.
• The decisions of the show organizers, jury, and judges are final.
• Billings Farm & Museum does not discriminate against entrants based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, national or ethnic origins, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other protected status.
• Quilters are responsible for insurance and shipping costs if they choose to mail their quilt or have it mailed back to them at the end of the exhibition.

Submission Checklist

Entry information will include:

• Quilter(s) Name(s) & Contact Information
• Website & Social Media Account
• Quilt Title, Size & Year Completed
• Quilt Information (pattern, pattern designer, techniques, etc.)
• Quilt Statement
• Photographs
  • One straight-on photo of your quilt with all four corners visible
  • One detail photo
  • Optional photo to be used for promotion with photo credit. For example: the quilt in progress, a sketch of the quilt design, the quilter working on the quilt, or the quilter’s workspace.

If Your Quilt is Accepted

Accepted quilters will be notified by email on May 7.

• Further quilt preparation instructions and drop off dates will be included.
• Accepted quilts will need to have a 4″ hanging sleeve attached.
• Quilts may not be taken down or sold during the exhibition.
• Quilters of accepted quilts are invited to the opening reception and will receive complimentary passes to view the exhibition.

Insurance

Entrants must provide an insurance value for each quilt submitted. Billings Farm & Museum’s maximum insurance is $2,000 per quilt. Owners of quilts whose insurance values exceed that amount must attach a certified appraisal with their entry form when submitting the quilt to receive reimbursement of the claimed value. The appraiser cannot have been involved with the making of the quilt. Quilts will be insured by Billings Farm & Museum upon arrival, until the time of return shipping or pick-up.

Awards

• All participants will receive a Juried Quilt Show Exhibitor rosette from Billings Farm & Museum.
• Quilts are not judged for rankings.
• All quilts will be eligible for the following overall awards:
  • Judge’s Choice Award from the judge. Award winners will be announced at the reception on July 9.
  • Best Hand Quilting
  • Best Machine Quilting
  • Best Original Design
  • Billings Farm & Museum Staff Choice Award & People’s Choice 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Awards announced on August 17.