National Quilt Museum nears the close of two major quilt exhibitions

The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, is in the final weeks of two landmark shows: Twenty Years of Tula Pink closes Sept. 15 and Janet Stone’s And Now I Know My ABCs! closes Sept. 22. The exhibitions bring together Tula Pink’s first museum display of personal quilts and Stone’s complete 26-quilt alphabet series for the first time.

Why it matters: - The two exhibitions give visitors a rare chance to see work that is usually experienced as separate pieces, not as full bodies of art in one museum setting. - Both shows spotlight artists who have shaped contemporary quilting through color, technique and visual storytelling. - The closing dates make September the last window to see both exhibitions together at The National Quilt Museum.

What happened: - The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, is showing Twenty Years of Tula Pink and And Now I Know My ABCs! through Sept. 15 and Sept. 22, 2026, respectively. - Twenty Years of Tula Pink is the first-ever exhibition of Tula Pink’s personal quilts. - And Now I Know My ABCs! is the first exhibition to display all 26 of Janet Stone’s alphabet quilts together. - The museum said visitors have only a few weeks left to see both shows.

The details: - Tula Pink’s exhibition spans work that reflects two decades of development as a fabric designer, quilter and creative force. - Pink is known for bright color, pattern, hidden imagery and humor. - The exhibition is designed to show her quilts as finished museum works, not just as fabric lines, books or photographs. - Janet Stone’s alphabet series was created between 2008 and 2024. - Stone’s 26-quilt series took 16 years to complete. - The alphabet show highlights craftsmanship, imaginative typography, intricate appliqué and visual storytelling. - The National Quilt Museum is at 215 Jefferson Street in downtown Paducah. - The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Complimentary parking is available onsite. - Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors 62 and older and military, and $5 for students. - Children under 12 are free with a paying adult, and museum members are admitted free. - More information is available on the museum website, or by calling 270-442-8856.

Between the lines: - Curator and Associate Director Rachael Baar said the two shows are best experienced in person. - Baar said Tula Pink and Janet Stone have each developed an unmistakable artistic voice. - The museum is using the exhibitions to reinforce its role as a destination for contemporary quilt art and tourism.

What's next: - Twenty Years of Tula Pink closes Sept. 15, 2026. - And Now I Know My ABCs! closes Sept. 22, 2026. - Visitors who want to see both exhibitions should plan a September visit.

The bottom line: - These are limited-time exhibitions offering a rare look at two major quilt artists before both shows leave the museum.