I recently received a press release about Alex Anderson receiving an award for being a living person who have made a positive impact in the field of quilting.  I am happy to report that Alex is alive and I agree that the impact she made is positive.

I would also like to add, that she is one crazy woman...and I say that with great respect.  When I say crazy, I mean in a fun, high-energy-caring kind of way.  I think, because of her bubbly personality and daring "out of the box" approach to life as well as her quilting talents and skills, she has, in fact, changed the way this "grandma" industry was once viewed. 

Congrats Alex.  See you soon in that tiny town in Colorado!

Here is a copy of the press release I received from Bob at Quilts, Inc. --the sponsors for both International Quilt Market and international Quilt Festival. 

 International Quilt Festival announced today that the recipient of the 2008 Silver Star Award is Alex Anderson of Livermore, California. 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,” says 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 says. “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 adds. “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.

 “Alex’s championship of new media has blazed trails in the quilt world,” Bresenhan continues. “And her willingness to try new communication tools opens doors for others to step through.  She certainly doesn’t follow anyone—but leads the pack!”

 “My personal mission is to share my love of quilting with anyone who will listen,” Anderson notes on her website. “When teaching, my goal is to educate and encourage those interested in quilting as clearly and simply as possible. As for those who really aren't interested in the craft itself, I enjoy enlightening them about this art that has been handed down so carefully from generation to generation.”

 Anderson will be honored at the Silver Star Salute, part of the events at the 2008 fall edition of International Quilt Festival in Houston. This special dinner is Saturday, November 2, from 7:30-10:00 p.m., and will feature a speech from her along with a visual career retrospective. Work and memorabilia from her entire career will also be on display in the “Silver Star Salute” special exhibit on Festival’s show floor.

 Quilts, Inc. is the producer of trade and consumer shows for the quilting industry, including several editions each of International Quilt Festival and International Quilt Market. Previous winners of the Silver Star Award include such legendary figures as Michael James, Caryl Bryer Fallert, Katie Pasquini Masopust, Marti Michell, Elly Sienkiewicz, Nancy Martin, Georgia Bonesteel, Roberta Horton, Donna Wilder, Yvonne Porcella, Jean Ray Laury, Virginia Avery, Jinny Beyer, and Bonnie Leman.

 Way to go AA!