The annual Quilt Arizona show is a highlight of spring! Here are some great quilts from this year's show (part three of 4)!
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Here Comes the Night Shift, made and quilted by Gabrielle Ryan
A female Thorn Moth awakens and says, "Here comes the night shift!" Gabrielle Ryan says, "Moths are overlooked as pollinators because they are nocturnal. But their contribution to pollination is critical - they are excellent pollinators. They outnumber butterflies ten to one and travel long distances, unlike butterflies."
Winner of an Award of Merit for Outstanding Achievement in Quiltmaking by NACQJ, plus 2nd Place in the Pictorial - Small category, this art quilt was based on a photo by Ukrainian photographer Oleksii Kriachko (used with permission.)
detail, Here Comes the Night Shift
Freedom Cactus, made and quilted by Kim James
The word FREEDOM is quilted above the cactus in this miniature quilt, reflecting the quilt show theme, Let Freedom Ring! Kim James says, "My daughter inspired this piece as she has a cactus theme in her home and her pursuit of education has afforded her FREEDOM and independence... this quilt is a tribute to her journey and the vibrant life she has built." This dynamic little quilt was based on the Cactus Specimen pattern by Swan Sheridan.
Making Memories Road Trip Quilt, made and quilted by Francine Taylor
Based on a Capturing Memories Road Trip design by Pride & Joy Quilting, Francine Taylor says this quilt was taught in a Sewtopia Retreat class in 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. "Veruschka Zarate makes excellent patterns and this is no exception. I love the Arizona landscape. The colors adequately and beautifully depict the desert landscape."
Windows Into Color by Judy Locke, quilted by Penny Boese
This stunning modern quilt was inspired by a paper pieced block used in The Bachelor pattern in Paper Pieced Modern by Amy Garro (2015). Judy Locke utilized her own setting and five different color groups for the blocks, one color group per block. The background fabric is used again in each of the five blocks to separate the colors; this also added dimensionality to the quilt. The outstanding quilting by Penny Boese is done in different colors and designs, shown below.
detail, Windows Into Color
Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2026 Quilt Arizona show.
