Quilts have come to be regarded as the epitome of the blending of the artist's keen eye and the craftsman's steady hand.
Once you visit the Museum of the American Quilter's Society (MAQS) in Paducah, Kentucky, you'll have no doubt quilts can be true works of art. Sometimes referred to as Quilt City, Paducah is a must-see spot for quilters, but all who visit come away impressed. Even the society's building is all about quilting. The entrance leads into a lobby containing stained-glass windows with quilt designs. The interior walls were designed to allow all the quilts to be shown in full, with the space they deserve.
In addition to the permanent displays, MAQS has regularly changing exhibits and annual quilt shows. Upcoming exhibits include "In a Thousand Pieces: Teeny-Pieced Quilts," April 10-June 5, and "Lauren Camp's The Fabric of Jazz," June 12-Sept. 25, featuring 20 quilts inspired by jazz. The 20th Annual American Quilter's Society Quilt Show will be held April 21-24 at the Paducah Expo Center.
Museum of the American Quilter's Society, 215 Jefferson St., Paducah, Ky., 270/442-8856. www.quiltmuseum.org. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; also open Sun. 1-5 p.m. April 1-Oct. 31. Admission $5, students $3, children 12 and under free.