Melody Reels, Iowa Quilt Museum

Iowa Quilt Museum

The Iowa Quilt Museum opened in May 2016 in Winterset, Iowa, on the south side of the courthouse square in the historic JCPenney building. With the charm and ornateness of an older building and high ceilings that allow them to showcase larger-scale quilts, they host three to four exhibits each year. In their 10 years, they have presented more than 40 exhibits, ranging from antique and traditional quilts to contemporary and art quilts. The exhibits have included solo shows featuring artists such as Victoria Findlay Wolfe, Ricky Tims, and Kaffe Fassett, as well as themed exhibits featuring artists such as Tula Pink, Hollis Chatelain, and Verushka Zarate. They strive to offer something for every quilter and quilt enthusiast while showcasing the incredible range of quilting as an art form. Because of limited space, they don’t permanently collect or preserve quilts, though a few special pieces that have crossed their path have found a home there.

Melody Reels joined the museum in March 2024 after four years at the Quilts of Valor Foundation National Headquarters. Not being a quilter herself, QOVF was her introduction to both the quilting world and the nonprofit sector. But she has always loved and marveled at the art of quilting. Her goal is to help visitors see quilting for what it is: a powerful artistic medium.