American Quilt Study Group

In 1970, Sally Garoutte and Joyce Gross began studying the history of quilts and quilt making. They formed the Mill Valley Quilt Authority and built a network of individuals that now comprises the American Quilt Study Group (AQSG). In 1979, Garoutte and Gross proposed a gathering of quilters, quilt scholars, and collectors, among others, to discuss quilt history, biographies of quilt makers, documenting quilts, and the promotion of quilts as an art form. The first meeting of AQSG occurred in Mill Valley in November 1980. Since that time, AQSG has grown to include more than a thousand members from all over the United States and the world. AQSG publishes a peer-reviewed journal once a year titled Uncoverings, which includes articles addressing all aspect of the quilt studies. News about the activities of AQSG, its officers, and its members is distributed through the Blanket Statements newsletter. Each year the AQSG membership meets at a conference. Papers published in Uncoverings are presented at this conference, along with other sessions and activities. AQSG is governed by elected officers and day-to-day activities are supervised by an executive director.

In 1970, Sally Garoutte and Joyce Gross began studying the history of quilts and quilt making. They formed the Mill Valley Quilt Authority and built a network of individuals that now comprises the American Quilt Study Group (AQSG). In 1979, Garoutte and Gross proposed a gathering of quilt scholars, collectors, among others, to discuss quilt history, biographies of quilt makers, documenting quilts, and the promotion of quilts as an art form. AQSG's first meeting occurred in Mill Valley, CA in Nov. 1980. Since that time, AQSG has grown to include over a thousand members from all over the United States and the world.