Mayor Brandon Scott Presents

Homage to Baltimore

Quilting Competition

Original call for quilt makers in 1981. The event was sponsored by Mayor Schaefer’s office. Gift from Mimi Dietrich.

First Prize (1981)

Second Prize (1981)

Sponsored by

City of Baltimore, Maryland State Arts Council, Maryland Folklife Network,

Orser Center for Public Humanities at UMBC,  Current Space, Spring Water Design

In 1981, Baltimore City Hall hosted a citywide quilt competition, showcasing quilts that celebrated the city through themes like transportation, architecture, industry, people, and plants and animals. 

Forty-five years later, in 2026, we’re honoring that legacy with a new competition.

We invite quilters and fiber artists of all backgrounds to submit original quilt works inspired by the spirit of Baltimore—past, present, and future. This is an opportunity to reflect on the city through fabric, whether your piece is abstract or literal, personal or political.

Third Prize (1981)

Grand Prize winner (1981)

Grand Prize Winner:

$5,000

Deadline: April 1, 2026

Parameters

Everyone is eligible. Previous quilting experience is not required

Quilts must take inspiration from the city of Baltimore

Quilts must be no smaller than 2’ x 2’ and no larger than 5’ x 6.5’

Quilts must be made between 2025 and 2026

Quilts must consist of completely original designs or interpretations of traditional designs. No kits.

Quilts can use any technique or embellishment and can be traditional or non-traditional in design or technique, so long as they incorporate the theme of Baltimore

Quilts of different shapes and sizes are encouraged!

Quilts will be judged on creativity, neatness, and technical ability

Quilts submitted by groups are permitted, however only one quilt per group is allowed. A person who has worked on a quilt submitted by a group can also submit an individual quilt if they choose.

Only one quilt per individual quiltmaker is allowed for submission

Mimi Dietrich’s entry in the 1981 competition. The quilt is on display at Maryland Center for History and Culture

Nineteenth century Baltimore Album Quilt on display at Maryland Center for History and Culture.

Timeline

October 1, 2025: Competition opens

April 1, 2026: Photo submissions due by 11:59 PM (see below)

April 25, 2026: Finalist drop-off, 1-6 PM at Current Space

June 6, 2026: Exhibition Opening at Current Space

Winners will be announced at the Current Space exhibition on June 6th

First Place: $5,000

Second Place: $2,000

Third Place: $1,500

Two Honorable Mentions: $500 each

Viewer’s Choice Award: $500

Poster for the exhibition for the original 1981 event. Courtesy of Mimi Dietrich.

First Round

Submission Guidelines

OVERVIEW

Name(s), mailing address, email, phone

2–3 sentence quilt description

Size of Quilt

Photo Submission Guidelines (5 Images Required per Quilt Entry):

  1. Full Front View – Entire quilt, straight on, square in frame, neutral background.

  2. Full Back View – Entire quilt back, same requirements as above.

  3. Detail Close-Up (Quilting/Stitching) – Highlight quilting technique.

  4. Detail Close-Up (Fabric/Design) – Show fabrics, colors, or embellishments.

  5. Optional Detail or Context Shot – Another close-up OR styled/in-progress image.

Technical Requirements:

  • JPEG/PNG

  • Neutral lighting, no shadows or distortions

  • File naming: QuilterName_QuiltTitle_1of5.jpg

for more information:

quiltsbaltimore@gmail.com