2011 is almost over! How is it that the older we get, the faster the years seem to scroll by?

There are only four more days to see PATIENCE TO RAISE THE SUN: ART QUILTS FROM HAITI & THEIR POWER TO CHANGE WOMEN'S LIVES. These are wonderful pieces by women in Haiti helping their families by making one-of-a-kind art quilts for sale abroad. The PeaceQuilts project in Haiti, founded by Martha's Vineyard resident Jeanne Staples, is one of those rare examples of synergy, a great idea joining up with talent and hard work to create something wonderful in the world. If you haven't already been in to see the exhibit, drop by before it closes at 2 PM on New Year's Eve, December 31st. But even after the exhibit closes, the PeaceQuilts initiative will continue its good work in Haiti. Visit their website at www.haitipeacequilts.org to learn how you can help.

As noted above, the museum will close at 2PM on New Year's Eve. We are then closed for our winter break from January 1st through the 18th. On January 19th, we kick off our 25th Anniversary Year with CAMPAIGNS & COMMEMORATIVES, a fascinating retrospective on political quilts made from 1780 to 2008. How better to relieve the too-frequent stress of strife and silliness in a national campaign year than by enjoying some wonderful quilts? Won't you join us?

In the meantime, we at the New England Quilt Museum wish you and yours a safe and very happy New Year. See you in 2012!

~ Maureen Smith, PR & Marketing Manager