5th Annual Artichoke Festival Quilt Challenge

Fabric artists can win prizes and show off their quilting talents at the Artichoke Festival’s 5th Annual Quilt Challenge.

Our challenge encompasses two categories:

  • Judge’s Choice, Win Cash Prizes – 1st Place $250; 2nd Place $150; 3rd Place $75
  • Peoples’ Choice – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place ribbons
Download 2023 Entry Form

Artichoke Festival Quilt Challenge Prizes Awarded in 2022

With the help of the local quilters, the Artichoke Festival Quilt Challenge was a resounding, creative success!

Our Quilt Challenge is an amateur show, but that doesn’t mean the work is subpar. We received fabulous designs this year, and enjoyed viewing every entry. Our People’s Choice winners are judged by popular vote during the Festival. Sometimes People’s Choice winners coincide with the Judge’s Choice winners, and sometimes they don’t! Our quilting community loves their hobby with a passion and it shows.

Quilt Challenge display

Wondering how judging a quilt challenge works?

Quilters must pick up a packet containing rules of the competition, an entry form, and a piece of required fabric. All quilt entries are dropped off or sent by mail by their owners, along with the proper entry forms. Each quilt entry is assigned a number and formally entered into the competition. Judging is done early before the Festival. Our judge makes thoughtful comments, both positive and constructive about the design, workmanship, fabrics, etc. for the quilter’s encouragement and improvement.

We had some great entries! Congrats to all our entrants for submitting such beautifully crafted quilts. We’re looking forward to the wonderful creations 2023 will bring.

Quilt Challenge Rules:

Theme: The required theme is anything the quilter wants it to be, but must depict at least one artichoke on the front. 

Fabric: Contestants must use “some” of the provided fabric and can add as many other fabrics as you like, as well as any embellishments.

Specifications: Each quilt must be 20” x 20,” have 3 layers and a 4 in. sleeve. Quilts must be labeled on the back with your name, the quilts name, and event name and year.

Quilts must be received one week before the Festival at The Artichoke Festival Office, 11402 Merritt St., Castroville, CA 95012.

All quilts will be displayed at the Artichoke Festival in June. To enter, mail a completed entry form (to be posted here soon) with $5.00 per fabric package requested to Artichoke Festival Quilt Challenge: 11402 Merritt Street, Castroville, CA 95012 and we will mail out the rules and fabric.
Good Luck!

Our 4th Annual Quilt Challenge Judge’s Choice (2022) Winners

1st Place – Linda Garofalo

“Artichoke Moon”

Carmel, CA

2nd Place – Kelly Monroe

“All Roads Lead to Castroville”

Hollister, CA

3rd Place – Kathy Krause

“The Stately Thistle”

Pacific Grove, CA

Honorable Mention–Alexandra Tsubota

“Artichoke Market”

Torrance, CA

Our 3rd Annual People’s Choice (2022) Winners

1st Place – Lois Alford

“With Age Comes Beauty”

Soquel, CA

2nd Place – Alene Mazzuca

“The Harvest”

Castroville, CA

3rd Place – Linda Garofalo

“Artichoke Moon”

Carmel, CA