Negative Space Quilt Show at The Collective, Lafayette : Boulder Modern Quilt Guild

Deadline: September 1, 2019

Unoccupied : The Importance of Negative Space
Presented by Boulder Modern Quilt Guild
November 14, 2019 – January 6, 2020

Sponsored by The Collective – Community Arts Center
201 N Public Rd, Lafayette, CO

Unoccupied : The Importance of Negative Space is a juried gallery show of “modern quilts”, as defined by The Modern Quilt Guild. The vision for Unoccupied : The Importance of Negative Space is to challenge quilters who are members of the Boulder Modern Quilt Guild to create functional, modern quilts with a focus on the importance of using negative space in the quilts’ design.

The gallery show will allow members of the Boulder Modern Quilt Guild to have their work recognized for innovation of negative space use in modern quilt design.

JURORS: Boulder Modern Quilt Guild jury panel will select quilts based on originality, design, technique, craftsmanship, and visual impact of the use of negative space.

FEE: There will be a $10.00 entrance fee for each quilt accepted into the show. Up to (3) quilts per quilter could be accepted.

ELIGIBILITY: Any current member of the Boulder Modern Quilt Guild in good standing may submit quilts to be juried. Each member may submit up to (3) quilts to be juried. The maximum width of finished quilts may not exceed 65”; otherwise quilts may be folded for display. There is no minimum size. All quilts must include a sleeve. Quilts must feature a design that uses negative space as an important feature. Quilts must be labeled with name, phone number, email, and address of entrant.

We will be able to accommodate several 3D works in this show. 3D works submitted to the show must be made from a quilted panel(s) that use a design featuring negative space. Examples of 3D works are, but not limited to, zip pouches, tote bags, pillows, pin cushions, garments, etc… Any 3D work submitted must fit within 15”x15”x15” display case.

NEGATIVE SPACE: Please submit quilts/works that feature negative space as a major design component:


Negative space is an essential design component in the world of modern quilts. Negative space is an area of the composition that is left blank or appears to be left blank. It is common practice in modern quilting to use the area of negative space created by the fabric to feature a special quilting design (by machine or hand quilting). The use of sashing, borders, or background as negative space is seen often. Secondary negative space is a more advanced concept in which the negative space itself takes on a design of its own. The creative use of negative space is an important characteristic of modern quilts.

Negative space allows a place for the eye to rest away from the subject of the quilt. Keeping negative space as a feature of any quilt brings more focus to the subject while allowing the viewer to continue appreciating the work because of the area provided for the eye to rest.

Just as negative space in modern quilt design is important, it is important to have negative space in our lives and community. Rather, the importance of open space within our surrounding environment gives our eyes, and bodies, a place to rest. Open space is an asset in Boulder and the surrounding communities. Quilters submitting to this show are called to consider the importance of Open Space in our environments while designing and making their quilts.


SUBMISSIONS: Entrants may submit entries online at bouldermqg.com through the submission link provided to members. Submissions must include name of entrant, email, town of residence, finished dimensions, artist statement, and name(s) of any other contributors. Submissions must include (2) digital photographs of the quilt, including overall photograph and detail photograph. [Photos must be .jpg files. Photos taken on cell phones must be submitted at full size, please do not shrink or downsize any phone photographs. Photos taken on point-and-shoot or DSLR cameras must be submitted at 1200 pixels, 300 dpi.]

One quilt per submission form please. Entrants may submit up to (3) quilts to be juried. We expect approximately 15-20 quilts will be accepted depending on sizes.


Submissions are closed. Please fill out the form below to subscribe to the newsletter and get information about the show.