On the morning of July 8, the Los Banos Arts Council (LBAC) quilt guild held a ceremony at the Mel Soares Studio to commemorate the installation of a new sign and artwork honoring veterans and first responders.
Pauline Young, President of the LBAC and member of the quilt guild, created the new art installation displayed in the Mel Soares Studio. Young’s artwork consists of blocks of plywood painted to resemble quilt blocks in red, white and blue.
The sign was commissioned from My Metal Works, a business out of Hilmar and a frequent vendor at the guild’s quilt shows. The sign, reading “LBAC Quilter’s Guild Honoring Veterans and First Responders,” was installed outside the studio.
Cathy Silva, guild co-leader and chairperson for the Hometown Hero program, invited the VFW Post 2487 and American Legion Post 116 to attend the ceremony.
“It was an honor to bring together veterans and quilters and build a sense of community,” said Silva.
In September of 2013, the guild held its first Hometown Heroes presentation in combination with its annual Pumpkin Patch Quilt Show. During each Hometown Heroes presentation, selected veterans and first responders are presented with quilts created by guild members.
From Sept. 6-7, the guild will host the 16th Annual Pumpkin Patch Quilt Show at the Ted Falasco Arts Center, located at 1105 5th St. Admission is $10 for both days, and the show will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Guild members and other craft vendors will display their creations in and around the center. The Hometown Hero presentation will take place on the 6th at 9 a.m.
“We’re here to work with veterans and first responders to bring them the honor they deserve,” said Silva.
