6th Annual Artichoke Festival Quilt Challenge

Fabric artists can win prizes and show off their quilting talents at the Artichoke Festival’s 6th 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 2024 Entry Form

Artichoke Festival Quilt Challenge Prizes Awarded in 2023

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 - cutest volunteers

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 2024 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 5th Annual Quilt Challenge Judge’s Choice (2023) Winners

quilt - 1st place judges

1st Place – Robin Hart

Grass Valley, CA
Tsubota 2nd place Judged

2nd Place – Alexandra Tsubota

Torrance, CA
Joy Garvey 3rd place Judged

3rd Place – Joy Garvey

Monterey, CA

Our 4th Annual People’s Choice (2023) Winners

1st Peoples Choice Snail Safe Krause Quilt 2023

1st Place – Kathy Krause

Morgan Hill, CA
quilt 2nd place peoples choice

2nd Place – Barbara Pekema

King City, CA
quilt - 3rd place peoples choice

3rd Place – Stefanie Rodriguez

Elk Grove, CA

Best Artichoke

quilt - Best artichoke award

Helen Burke

Grass Valley, CA

Best Use of Challenge Fabric

quilt - Best use of fabric

Linday Fanelli

Salinas, CA