Homage to Baltimore Quilting Competition

2026

presented by Mayor Brandon M. Scott

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

Grand Prize Winner

$5,000

Deadline April 1, 2026

Guidelines

  • 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, as long as they incorporate the theme of Baltimore

  • Quilts of different shapes and sizes are encouraged

  • Group submissions are allowed (one quilt per group). Individuals who contribute to one group quilt may also submit one individual quilt.

  • Each individual quiltmaker may submit only one quilt.

  • Hanging sleeve required

  • The cash prizes are sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (MOACE), with payments issued directly through the Mayor’s Office. The top prize-winning quilts will be preserved in the Mayor’s Office collection for archival purposes and featured in future exhibitions.

Image is of a Baltimore Album Quilt from 1846. Photo from Maryland Center for History and Culture.

SUBMIT HERE

Save the Dates!

October 2025:

Competition opens

April 1, 2026:

Submissions emailed by 11:59 PM

April 26, 2026:

15 Finalist quilt drop-off, 1-6 PM at Current Space

June 6, 2026:

Exhibition Opening at Current Space with all finalists’ quilts displayed. Winners announced at the opening.

First Place: $5,000

Second Place: $2,000

Third Place: $1,500

Two Honorable Mentions: $500 each

Viewer’s Choice Award: $500

SUBMIT HERE

Quilt by Dr. Christa Gilliam, Morgan State University and member of the African American Quilters of Baltimore.

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

Special Thanks to:

The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (MOACE), Maryland State Arts Council, Maryland Folklife Network, UMBC’s Orser Center for Public Humanities, Current Space, Spring Water Designs Quilting, Domesticity Fabric Store and Sewing Center