With central heating and other modern comforts, the necessity of quilts has diminished, but that doesn’t mean we need to complete lose the art of making them. Besides keeping people warm, quilts were (and still are) an artistic form of expression. In recent years, the art world has paid more attention to the beauty of quilts. Quilts are also a good focal point for social gatherings.

Since 1980, members and guest of the Sierra Mountain Quilters Association have been coming together to practice and promote the fine art of quilting. They meet the first and third Thursdays of each month. Meetings may include technique demonstrations, videos, a guest speaker or a “Show-n-Tell.” They also hold quilting circles at members’ homes to work on quilting projects.

This coming Thursday, June 19, the Sierra Mountain Quilters Association will be getting together at Whittenburg Hall (Community Church of Oakhurst) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Attendees at this meeting will be treated to a trunk show by artist Susan Turner. To learn more, you can call 559-693-4586) or visit the group’s website, www.smqa.org.