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The Crimson Star Columbine was designed by Red Deer quilter Kathy Rideout.
In the fall of 2002, the Red Deer and District Museum launched a project called 'Quilts 2002', a series of quilt-related exhibits, workshops, speakers and activities. The Official Red Deer Quilt Square Contest was one piece of this larger project. A call for submissions was extended across the province for quilters, textile artists, and the public at large to submit 12 inch cotton quilt squares that reflected Red Deer. Red Deer City Council was approached to see if they would support the idea of an "Official Red Deer Quilt Square," similar to the Official Red Deer Cookie, Flower and other symbols already in place. They responded with enthusiasm and the contest was on!
Twenty two entries were received from all across Alberta, using a variety of different techniques and reflecting a number of Red Deer's most familiar sites and symbols. A panel of three judges – one representing The City of Red Deer, a member of the Central Alberta Quilters Guild and a visual artist – unanimously chose the Crimson Star Columbine block entered by Kathy Rideout. The crimson star columbine is Red Deer's official flower so the design had a definite connection to the city. The excellent quality of the handiwork and the use of locally dyed fabrics were also strong features of her design. On October 7, 2002, City Council adopted Rideout's design as the Official Red Deer Quilt Square.
The pattern for the Official Red Deer Quilt Square is available at The Museum Shop, located in the Red Deer and District Museum located at 4525-47A Avenue. For more information, please call 403-309-8405.
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