Industry News

Alex Anderson to receive 2008 Silver Star Award

International Quilt Festival has announced that the recipient of the 2008 Silver Star Award is Alex Anderson of Livermore, CA. The award is given annually to living persons who have made a lasting and positive impact on the field of quilting and textile art over their careers.

An artist, author, teacher, and multi-media host, Anderson was chosen for many reasons, including her stint hosting nearly 500 episodes of Simply Quilts. The show was integral in introducing and promoting the artform to a large audience

“Alex has inspired countless quilters to stretch their wings and try new things with her television show. For many, it was their first ever exposure to quilting,” said Karey Bresenhan, founder of Festival. “As a teacher and author of many books, she is known for her remarkable ability to convey information in a way that makes it easy for others to learn.”

Anderson began quilting in 1978 when she completed a Grandmother’s Flower Garden project as part of her work toward a degree in art at San Francisco State University. She soon began to explore fiber and graphic design, as well as find a deep appreciation for Amish quilts.

More recently, Anderson has been a leader in the quilting podcast community with her “Quilt Connection” program. And her latest endeavor is The Quilt Show, (www.thequiltshow.com) her online video talk and demo show/blog/news site, co-hosted with quilter artist and teacher Ricky Tims.

Anderson will be honored at the Silver Star Salute, part of the events at the 2008 fall edition of International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX.

Reprinted from SQE Professional, May 2008