“HE LOVES ME NOT”: This quilt by Gay Bitter of Princeton has been selected to compete in the 2021 Great Wisconsin Quilt Show’s 100 Years of Art Deco Challenge. Virtual attendees can vote for their favorite quilt September 9 to 11 at quiltshow.com/vote.

Dozens of quilters submitted their best work for judging in this year’s Great Wisconsin Quilt Show quilt challenges. Gay Bitter of Princeton and her quilt “He Loves Me Not” have been selected to compete in the 2021 Great Wisconsin Quilt Show’s 100 Years of Art Deco Challenge.

Every quilt has a story, and Bitter fashioned her quilt from an Art Deco era illustration. “I chose my inspiration image because of the lovely lines of this woman in her Art Deco inspired dress and furnishings,” she said in her artist’s statement. “It’s hard to detect exactly what she is up to, but once you look closely, you know there is a story behind her actions.”

Bitter has been quilting for 18 years and was influenced by a friend to begin the hobby. “My friend took me into a quilt store after we had lunch one day as she needed thread for a project, and that was it! All those beautiful fabrics just called to me,” she said.

Quilts accepted in the quilt challenges are judged on visual impact and stitching technique. Awards are given for first, second, and third place recognition in each challenge. One quilt is selected by those who attend the virtual event to receive the Viewers’ Choice award. Virtual attendees can vote for their favorite quilt at quiltshow.com/vote.

The 2021 Great Wisconsin Quilt Show will be a digital event to unite and engage the quilting community September 9 to 11 at quiltshow.com.