La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum - La Conner, Washington - A Unique Fiber and Textile Museum Housed in a Historic Mansion

The La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum was established in 1997 in the 1891 Gaches Mansion in La Conner, Washington. The museum is complete with three levels of quilts, textiles, and amazing creations that range from traditional to ultra-modern. The focus of the work displayed at the museum is on works from the Northwest. Promotion of local quilt makers is important to the mission of the textile museum. The museum opens two new exhibits quarterly so that repeat visitors will always find something new and pleasing. The museum can be located along 2nd Street in La Conner.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday and Tuesdays by appointment only. The museum is closed on all major holidays. Extended hours occur each April for the Tulip Festival. Hours of operation during this time are extended to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. General admission price is $5 per person and children under 12 years old and members get in for free.

Permanent collections at the La Conner Quilt Museum include many exhibits from Northwest quilters. As previously indicated, the museum changes its displays and exhibits every three months. Recent collections have included Birdscapes by Karin Franzen. This work included appliquyd birds of Alaska and utilized unusual fabrics and techniques. To many her work is known as "moving paintings.'' Another prior exhibition was known as All Things Not Quilted and delved into the world of textiles by local, national, and international textile and fiber artists. The collection examined the world of textiles and featured such artists as Dorothy Bird and Ann Brenaman.

Exhibits are selected by board members and staff and a list of upcoming collections is available online or via the museum office. Some future exhibits include On the Surface, a wide array of exhibits by Whidbey Island Textile and Fiber Artists. There is always something new and exciting at the La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum that keeps visitors coming back for more.

The La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum houses an annual event known as Quilt Fest. Visitors can wander through the unique shops in La Conner and see displays of many quilts and textiles during the free month-long event. Accompanied with the display of many unique pieces, visitors can also take part in a silent auction, workshops, vendor visiting, and more. A Show & Tell Dinner takes place in early October at the La Conner Seafood and Prime Rib House and costs $25 per person. Entertainment includes the Fidalgo Island Quilters Wearable Art Divas and is always emceed by one of the Quilt Fest instructors.