Gross, Joyce

Joyce Gross' work as a researcher, publisher, scholar, teacher, and organizer have been critical in promoting the study of quilt history in the United States.

Beginning with her first purchase in 1973 of a quilt top at a flea market, Gross has amassed an historically important collection. As she collected quilts and became acquainted with quilters, Gross began to share her love of the art with the public by organizing quilting tours throughout the nation; hosting her celebrated annual quilting retreat in Point Bonita, California; and founding and publishing the Quilters' Journal from 1977 to 1987. Moreover, in 1980 Gross helped organize the influential American Quilt Study Group. Over the years she has established herself as a leading historian of twentieth century quilts and quilters. In recognition of her many contributions to American quilting, Joyce Gross was inducted into the Quilter's Hall of Fame in 1996. She is considered a "Quilt Treasure" by the Alliance for American Quilts.