OCQG was founded in 1991 to promote fellowship among quilters; to promote the knowledge and appreciation of quilts and quilt making through education programs and meetings; and to sponsor and support quilting activities.
Programs at the monthly meetings and workshops usually feature presentations by well-known area or nationally-famous quilters and textile artists. The yearly $25 dues pay for guild programs and activities as well as a member directory, library acquisitions, blocks of the month, and newsletter publication.
Community outreach and involvement includes making and donating quilts to local nonprofits, pillows for local hospital and dialysis patients, pet beds, Quilts of Valor for military veterans, and “baby box” quilts. The guild also makes monetary donations to nonprofits that relate to the purposes of the guild.
The annual quilt show, “Quilts by the Sea,” is currently held on the first Friday and Saturday of August at the Newport Recreation Center. It features about 300 quilts, many of which have been evaluated by an American Quilt Society certified judge. Numerous special displays, vendors, a children’s activity corner, a member boutique, and a lunchroom are available also.
OCQG sponsors quilt documentations five times each year for Lincoln County residents. The group has documented over 1300 quilts to date.
An annual three-day retreat for members is held in January at the Oregon Garden in Silverton.