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If you ever need to reach me on Monday evening, from 8 to 9 p.m., I am on the sofa watching Antique Road Show in my den. Like millions of Americans I am fascinated by looking at other people’s treasures and learning about how they acquired them and the history behind what gives the objects its value. I even enjoy the occasional story about the treasured family heirloom that came over on the Mayflower that was made two hundred years after the Pilgrims landed. Family stories are sometimes embellished by each generation resulting in a history that is less than accurate.

Appraisals will be the theme next Saturday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., here at the Colquitt County Arts Center when nationally recognized quilt expert, Teddy Pruett, will be here to appraise quilts. Teddy has studied quilt and textile history for over 20 years. She has her certification as an appraiser from the American Quilter’s Society. To achieve this level of expertise, rigorous written and oral examinations are required that cover three hundred years of textile history. She has apprised thousands of quilts by closely examining dye processes, fabric printing methods, patterns, construction techniques, regional variations, market values and various other factors that influence the value of a quilt.

I went onto Teddy’s website and I am going to let you read the words she used to describe herself because I enjoy the way she writes. I like her already, and we haven’t even met yet.

“I uphold the Program’s Code of Ethical Practices, and appraisals are prepared in accordance with USPAP standards and guidelines. I travel nationwide to study and remain current with the very latest in quilt scholarship. People tell me I have a “down home” sense of humor and relaxed, unpretentious Southern style, but my lectures reveal an extensive knowledge of quilt and textile history — and I bring real quilts! Lots of quilts. Audience participation is encouraged — I love it when folks jump right in and get involved. Great fun is to be expected!”

Here’s how the appraisal process will work. Written appraisals will be provided for a fee of $40 per quilt. Written documents require approximately 30 minutes per quilt, are strictly confidential, and in most instances will be delivered to the quilt owner at the time of the appraisal. Quilts requiring additional research or consultation may be slightly higher, and will be mailed to the client upon completion of research. Values may be used for insurance replacement, fair market value, or for donation purposes in accordance with IRS guidelines. Appraisals are prepared in accordance with Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

In the event a quilt does not warrant a written appraisal, or if the client simply has questions about a quilt, blocks, or tops, an oral evaluation is available for $20 per quilt. These should not require more than five minutes, and because they are oral, they are not confidential. These evaluations are not to be considered an appraisal. Oral evaluations are for antique and/or vintage quilts only. Because values for new quilts require a complicated set of computations, oral evaluations cannot be given for new quilts. Appraisals are available at guild meetings, quilt shows, before or after lectures, or by private appointment. Quilts may be appraised while hanging in shows.

Please call the Arts Center at 229-985-1922 if you would like to make an appointment to have your quilts appraised. Walk-ins are welcome also. I want to encourage you to take advantage of learning everything there is to know about your cherished quilts. I think that the history and the pattern information about the quilts will be the most interesting parts of this unique opportunity; the value will be just the icing on the cake.

Interest in class information and enrollment at the Arts Center seems to explode after Labor Day. Everyone seems to be getting their children settled back into the hectic school schedule. One more trip to the beach or just a quiet long weekend at home to cap off the summer months. There’s something about the onset of fall and going back to a campus setting that feels like a new beginning.

The demand for scholarships also explodes with the onset of the new fall schedule. “So here he goes again asking for scholarship money, will he every give up?” I know that’s what some of you are thinking! And you would be correct. I am very proud of the fact that we have not turned away a single child that wants to participate in any activity here at the Arts Center. There is no shortage of art programs at the Colquitt County Arts Center. Dance, theater, music and the visual arts programs are offered each and every month. Music classes at the Arts Center include voice lessons, choir, guitar, piano, drums and violin. I have mentioned in past articles that studies show that music lessons improve math scores and drawing and painting are beneficial to communication skills. Art and music classes build confidence in children which translates into making them better students and future citizens.

Scholarships are $50 per month. You can purchase as little as one month to introduce a child to the arts or you can sponsor a full eight month program (September through April) to cover the entire school year for $400. Please contact the Arts Center if you have a particular student that you would like to sponsor or we will be happy to identify one for you.

Please remember that the Colquitt County Arts Center is not supported by any local city or county tax dollars.  The only state funding available is from the Georgia Arts Council and that represents less than 2% of our total annual budget. We were notified that this funding will be cut by more than 50% this year! So you can see that your support is essential for the Arts Center to continue offering quality art programs for the people of Colquitt County.

I have one last thing. For only $1 you can be the proud owner of a blue and white sample quilt. This beautiful quilt has been made by the Creative Quilters and Lisa Smith of the Artistic Threads. Tickets are only $1 each or six for $5. All proceeds will go to the Colquitt County Arts Center. Tickets are available at the Arts Center or Suzanne’s Quilt Shop on the square. Good luck!