HOUSTON—January 31, 2024—Quilts, Inc., producers of International Quilt Festival and International Quilt Market, announced today that Christa Parker has been named the new Manager of Special Exhibits. While Becky Navarro—who previously held the position and has retired—will take a new part-time role as Sponsorship Coordinator.
Parker was promoted to the position from her previous post as Special Exhibits Assistant. She will oversee and coordinate all of the quilts on display at all editions of Quilts, Inc. shows, ranging from calls for entry that originate from within the company, to curated exhibits and special collections from outside sources. Parker will also direct in the office and at the show the dedicated “Piece Corps” of trained quilt shippers and hangers.
Parker will also oversee the Quilt Festival Judged Show, the art form’s most prestigious annual showcase of its kind. Last year it featured non-purchase prizes totaling $52,250 in a variety of categories. Hundreds of quilters of all skill levels from across the world send in their best work to this competition.
“I have had the great pleasure of working alongside Becky Navarro for the last five years, creating a teamwork atmosphere that has helped create new process that encourage and motivate artists to submit their work through our online call system,” Parker says. “I will miss her unending energy and knowledge, but am excited for the future of the Special Exhibits program that she has helped curate over the last decade plus.”
Navarro will move into the newly-created position of Sponsorship Coordinator, working with companies both inside and outside of the quilting industry on partnerships to both maintain and bring exciting new aspects to the shows. She will also serve as the point of contact for sponsors of the Quilt Festival Judged Show.
“For almost 14 years, I have enjoyed working with a very talented group of people. I was able to implement suggestions made by the Piece Corps team leaders and the people who worked at the shows that streamlined tasks and made the department more cost effective and time-efficient. Although I will miss the people and the job, I look forward to this new challenge, as well as the next season of my life filled with joy and creativity. A big thank you to all the people that have made the show so beautiful during my tenure.”
Quilts, Inc. President Karey Bresenhan and Executive Vice President Nancy O’Bryant Puentes both had praise for Parker and Navarro.
“With Christa, we know that the beautiful and creative quilts on display—which are the main reason people come to our shows—are in great hands as we celebrate this year the 45th anniversary of Quilt Market and 50th anniversary of Quilt Festival,” they say. “And Becky, who is already handling sponsorship, will be able to increase our connections to strategic partners for the benefit of everyone who attends our shows.”
To view the current Calls for Entry, click HERE. (Note: The Festival Judged Show rules & information will be available and posted in early March).
