Clone of Call for Artwork: Time and Tide Exhibition at the Petaluma Museum

Call for Quilts

The Fabric of Democracy: Quilts and the Power of the People
Overview
The Petaluma Historical Library & Museum invites quiltmakers, artists, and community members to submit quilts for consideration in our upcoming exhibition, The Fabric of Democracy: Quilts and the Power of the People, on view June 18-August 2, 2026.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this exhibition explores how quilts have been used to express democratic ideals, share civic values, and drive social change across American history. We are seeking both historic and contemporary quilts that reflect personal stories, collective experiences, and visions for the future.
Exhibition Themes
Submissions may align with one or more of the following sections:
- Piecing a Nation: Quilts reflecting early American life, independence, labor, and community
- Stitches of Freedom: Works connected to abolition, suffrage, and early reform movements
- Threads of Justice: Quilts addressing civil rights, protest, peace, and social justice
- The Personal Is Political: Identity, LGBTQ+ visibility, cultural heritage, and personal narrative
- Landscapes of Change: Environmental themes, climate change, and our relationship to the land
- Common Threads: Community-based, collaborative, or participatory quilts
- The Work Continues: Contemporary quilts imagining the future of democracy and civic life
Who Should Apply
We welcome submissions from:
- Individual artists and quiltmakers
- Community groups and guilds
- Youth and student artists
- Intergenerational or collaborative projects
- Owners or collectors of quilts
We are especially interested in work by local artists and quilts that reflect diverse voices and lived experiences.
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: May 25
- Notification of Acceptance: May 29
- Exhibition Dates: June 18-August 2, 2026
Submit Your Quilt
Quiltmaker/owner/collector name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Quiltmaker name, if different than above (if known)
Title of quilt, if applicable
Year created
Brief description of quilt (including provenance if this is a historic or vintage quilt)

0/500
Techniques Used (Hand sewing, machine quilting, etc.)

0/200
Dimensions (in inches, L x W)
Tell Us About Yourself

0/500
Is Your Quilt Ready to Hang?
Which thematic section do you think your quilt best aligns with?
Is there any additional information you would like to share?
File Upload: Upload Image of Quilt

Cancelof
Additional Information

A detailed loan agreement will be provided to lenders upon acceptance. Museum staff are happy to answer any questions throughout the process. Questions? Please reach out to Stacey Atchley, Executive Director, at satchley@petalumamuseum.org.
By submitting this quilt, I grant the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum permission to use images of my quilt for exhibition promotion, print, web, and social media purposes.
Should be Empty:

Call for Quilts

Overview

Exhibition Themes

Who Should Apply

Key Dates

Submit Your Quilt

Additional Information