AboutUs

Locust Quilt and Craft

Locust Quilt and Craft is a non-profit organization that fosters and promotes traditional, contemporary, and multicultural quilting needlework, beading and crafting, and related arts. Locust Quilt and Craft seeks to strengthen and advance organizational and individual initiatives in quilting, needlework and crafting through education, networking, advocacy, and professional and field development while partnering with local community organizations to provide shelter and warmth to those in need.

Our Mission

Education - To increase understanding of the rich variety, artistic value, cultural and historical significance, and continuing relevance of Quilting, Needlework and Crafting among educators, media, and the general public.

Networking – To provide a bridge to and from quilting, needlework and crafting organizations needed resources; and, to help those organizations link with their constituencies.

Advocacy – To influence decision makers and resource providers on the national, state, provincial, and local levels, insuring the growth of Quilting, Needlework and Crafting.

Field Development – To support and encourage the development of new and existing grassroots quilters, needlework, crafters and artisan organizations.

Professional Development -To strengthen the effectiveness of handcrafting business by providing professional development opportunities.

Our History

In 2002 show founders Sharon Jennings and Lisa Leandre were looking for a place to display and promote the art of quilting and crafts. They decided to ask a few of their crafty friends to join them and in 2002 the Quilt and Craft Bazaar committee was formed. The first craft show was held in the basement of their church, Locust United Methodist Church, a 135 year-old church located on Freetown and Martin Roads in Columbia, Maryland.

The word spread among the local crafters and the Locust Quilt and Craft committee was forced into much larger accommodations for their show. The first show held eight quilters and crafters. In 2005 the quilting and crafting exhibitors have grown to over 80. The philosophy has been to provide the highest quality of hand-made treasures to the public at the best prices with the craftsperson present. The interest in quilting and crafting continued. In 2006 Locust Quilt and Craft embraced needlework with an annual Needlework Show and Needlework Contest. 2008 Locust Quilt and Craft spreads its reach to beading. The Locust Quilting and Crafting Association was formed to reach further the needs of our customers both vendors and consumers.

Want to learn more. Visit our Press Room or email us at info@LocustQuiltandCraft.com

Our Values

Locust Quilt and Craft’s core values represent the fundamental beliefs of the organization. While goals present a clear direction, Core Values serve as our compass.

Integrity - Locust Quilt and Craft is committed to the highest standards of integrity, honesty and ethics.

Inclusiveness - Locust Quilt and Craft actively seeks all people who support and participate in quilting, needlework, crafting and the arts into its events, programs, membership, leadership, and activities on a non-discriminatory basis.

Excellence - Locust Quilt and Craft continually strives for excellence and is dedicated to providing outstanding service and value.

Teamwork - Locust Quilt and Craft ’s mission can best be achieved through the efforts of volunteers, staff and allied organizations working as a team.

Accountability - Locust Quilt and Craft’s staff and volunteers accept responsibility and accountability for how their actions support the Locust Quilt and Craft.