Celebrating Craft and History: America’s 250th Quilt Gallery at the River to Reef Art Festival at the BLM Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse ONA

Mar 17, 2026

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proud to help commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary through a truly one-of-a-kind celebration. America’s 250th Quilt Gallery will be showcased at this year’s River to Reef Art Festival, presented in partnership with the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum and the Palm Beach Quilters Guild. The exhibition will be open to festival visitors on March 21–22, 2026.

Patchwork quilt with red, white, and blue fabric, floral and geometric patterns, and "USA 250" stitched in the center. — A quilt by artist, Gail Hathaway titled, “Celebrate!” The variety of fabrics in this quilt brings to mind the diversity of people in our beautiful country and the contributions of so many over 250 years – so much to celebrate! The fabrics with leaves and flowers are a small expression of our land’s natural beauty.

This year’s gallery showcases quilts submitted to the 2nd Annual Lighthouse Quilting Challenge, where participants were invited to express 250 years of American history through textile art.

The resulting collection brings together vibrant works that weave heritage, craftsmanship, and narrative—some portraying iconic American symbols and landscapes, others offering deeply personal reflections on the nation’s past and future.

Quilt featuring six colorful lighthouse panels with names and dates, framed by blue and multicolored borders. — A quilt by artist Dolores McAndrew titled, “Lights - Protecting America for 300 Years.” The many designs, colors, types of construction are varied and interesting. Creating them in fabric, challenging and fun. The oldest standing, Sandy Hook 1764, predates the founding of our country. Located at central points all over the country, lighthouses keep our coastal water shores safe.

Highlights include, Lights – Protecting America for 300 Years by Dolores McAndrew, which pays homage to historic lighthouses predating the nation’s founding, and Celebrate! by Gail Hathaway, a colorful tribute to the country’s natural beauty and diversity.

Additional pieces explore themes such as immigration, perseverance, national icons, Indigenous connections to the land, coastal environments, and the institutions that shaped the nation—such as Rhonda Cox’s quilt Postage Stamp, honoring the U.S. Postal Service.

Quilted fabric artwork resembling a USA postage stamp with a gold star, red stripes, and "USA" and "FOREVER" text. — A quilt by artist, Rhonda Cox titled, “Postage Stamp.” Cox reflects on the creation of the U.S. Postal Service, established by Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. As a proud postal retiree, Cox celebrates the continuing service of the USPS.

Visitors to the River to Reef Art Festival will have the opportunity to participate directly in the event through the Artists’ and People’s Choice Awards. Attendees can view the quilt collection and cast their votes, adding an interactive layer that celebrates artistic vision while fostering community engagement. The voting occurs exclusively during the festival, giving in-person viewers a meaningful role in choosing their favorite works.

Quilt with colorful appliqué designs including a suspension bridge, city skyline, lighthouses, palm tree, windmill, and geometric shapes. — A quilt by artist, Katy Church titled, “America from Sea to Shining Sea.” Church chose to depict iconic images, structures and topographical features, and flora and fauna, many with traditional quilt designs: Flying Geese, Delectable Mountains, Cityscapes, Tipis, Windmill, Log Cabin, Seminole Miccosukee Chickee & Palm Trees, and the Jupiter & St. Augustine lighthouses.

The collaboration between BLM, the Palm Beach Quilters Guild, and the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse ONA continues to highlight how public lands and cultural institutions can work together to uplift local artisans and national heritage. The quilts—each one a unique reflection on America’s past and future—offer visitors a chance to pause, appreciate craftsmanship, and connect with the stories that continue to define our shared experience.

See the full collection of quilts on the BLM Eastern States Flickr page: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCMcH6

Story by:

Amanda Keener, Public Affairs Specialist

Blog Topic:

Partnerships

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