The National Quilting Association invites you to join thousands of quilt enthusiasts at the 40th Annual NQA Quilt Show, June 18-20, 2009, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center - Hall C, 400 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215.

More than 400 spectacular traditional, contemporary, and innovative/art quilts from across the country will awe and inspire, including a special exhibit of "Red and White" theme quilts. 100+ vendors provide items for every budget, from buttons to long-arm quilting machines. (See the vendor list on the NQA show website.) Show/vendors open 9-6. Daily admission is $10; 3-day pass for NQA members is $10. Show details, including registration, quilt entry forms, class availability, and lodging information: www.nqaquilts.org/2009show.

Always a highlight of the show, the Little Quilt Auction on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Hyatt Regency is open to the public. Spirited bidding raises funds for the NQA Grant Program and also provides an opportunity to purchase a small wall quilt for home or office. Other events include a Wednesday night Preview Party, the Thursday Night Gathering with Pennsylvania quilt maker George Sicilliano's lecture titled "This Guy Must Be Nuts," and the Friday Morning Medley.

Classes and lectures with internationally known faculty: John Flynn (MT), Diane Gaudynski (WI), Georgia Bonesteel (NC), Sue Nickels (MI), Anita Shackelford (OH), Lynn Kough (AZ), Karen Combs (TN), Sally Schneider (NM), Leigh McDonald (KY/OH), Mary Sorensen (FL), Cindy Blackberg (TN), Rita Fishel (OH), Barb Vlack (IL), Kimberly Einmo (OH), Teri Henderson Tope (OH), Jennifer McCann (OH), and many more! Classes are offered for all interests and skill levels in design, hand work, machine techniques, and finishing. Whether your favorite tool is a size 10 needle, a rotary cutter, or a computer mouse, there is a class for everyone. Several lectures should be of interest even to non-quilters.

The NQA Quilt Show is the oldest annual show in the U.S. presented by a nonprofit volunteer organization. The Grant Program distributes thousands of dollars to a variety of projects - read about it on the NQA website: www.nqaquilts.org. NQA is dedicated to promoting the art and craft of quilting through education, since 1970. Membership is open to all.