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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 the national TV series 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. And we all know that she takes obvious, enthusiastic delight in sharing her techniques and knowledge with others. It has made a big difference in the lives of many women just starting out in quilting.”

“I have had the delicious honor of ushering many new quilters into ‘the fold’ through various means of communication: the printed page, television, and now through the astonishing educational and communicative aspects of the Internet,” Anderson said. “To receive the Silver Star Award on behalf of these efforts is a huge and unexpected honor.”

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.

“I can remember the first time I attended a quilt show; it was a light bulb moment I will never forget,” Anderson added. “As an artist struggling to establish an identity in the art world, it had never occurred to me -- until that moment -- that quilts could be considered a valid art form. I instantly fell in love with the medium, and continue to love it to this day.”

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 on Nov. 1 at the Silver Star Salute, part of the events at the 2008 fall edition of International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX.

Reprinted from Quilting Now, May 2008