The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) invites national and international quilters to apply for Threads of Oak Spring—an opportunity to create innovative, expertly crafted textile works inspired by the natural world, historic textiles, and botanical collections at Oak Spring. In 2026, two quilters will be selected to design original quilts that respond to the Foundation’s mission of supporting the study and celebration of plants, gardens, and landscapes. Selected artists will work with a distinctive assortment of remnant and scrap fabrics acquired by Rachel “Bunny” Mellon—OSGF’s founder and a lifelong collector of fine textiles. Completed quilts will join Oak Spring’s permanent collection and be featured in future exhibitions.

Overview

Phase 1: Introductory Site Visits

Following an open call, up to eighteen artists will be invited in two small groups for a two-night visit to Oak Spring. These sessions will offer guided tours of the estate’s formal gardens, natural landscapes, and rare book library—including historic botanical illustrations, embroidery patterns, and textile reference books. Participants will also examine the fabric remnants available for use in their proposal.

• Group 1: Monday, March 23 – Wednesday, March 25, 2026

• Group 2: Wednesday, March 25 – Friday, March 27, 2026

During their stay, quilters will be hosted on-site in private rooms with ensuite baths, with meals and airport transportation provided. Following the visit, all participants will have until Friday, April 24, 2026 to submit a proposal for the final commission.

Phase 2: Commission Period

Two finalists will be announced on Friday, May 15, 2026. Each will receive a $1,000 grant and be invited to return for up to two weeks during one of the following work periods:

• Monday, August 24 – Sunday, September 6, 2026

• Monday, September 28 – Sunday, October 11, 2026

Finalists will stay at Oak Spring with access to a private studio and the Foundation’s resources. Artists will prepare most meals independently, though some will be provided. Please note: sewing machine are not supplied—quilters should bring their own or arrange local rentals. While bicycles are available for navigating the estate, those who prefer greater flexibility may bring or rent a car.

Each completed quilt will receive a $5,000 purchase award and be accessioned into the Oak Spring collection.

Eligibility

We welcome applications from quilters with a demonstrated record of thoughtful and skilled textile work. Ideal candidates will show a strong connection to materials, pattern, and the artistic traditions of quilting. Accepted practices include:

• Traditional and contemporary quilting

• Appliqué

• Embroidery

• Piecing

• Art quilting

• Textile collage

Not eligible: 3D fiber sculptures, reproductions, or digitally printed textile works. Any work generated or designed using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including AI-assisted image generation or design software.

Quilt Requirements

Only original, two-dimensional, wall-hung works will be considered. Final pieces must:

• Measure between 36” and 60” in both height and width

• Incorporate at least 50% of the fabrics provided by OSGF on the front surface

• Hang flat against the wall (via sleeve, rigid mount, or frame suitable for gallery display)

• Final quilts must be delivered to Oak Spring Garden Foundation by Friday, February 26, 2027. The cost of shipping the completed work is the responsibility of the artist.

Application Guidelines

The application portal opens on Friday, August 1, 2025, and closes on Monday, November 18, 2025. Applicants must submit:

1. A resume or CV (max two pages)

2. A 200–300 word artist statement describing your practice

3. A 200–300 word response describing your interest in the program:

   1. How would your work honor Mrs. Mellon’s love of plants, gardens, and textiles?

   2. What is your experience working with found or historic materials?

   3. What excites you about transforming these remnants into something new

4. 5-10 work samples with title, year, medium and dimensions

Applications will be reviewed by OSGF staff and external experts in quilting and textile arts. Site visit participants will be notified by Friday, January 9, 2026.

Final Commission Proposal Guidelines

Finalists are invited to submit a proposal outlining their vision for the commissioned quilt. Each proposal should include:

• A descriptive title

• Final dimensions of the quilt

• A description of fabrics to be used, including yardage, colors, and sources (with at least 50% from Oak Spring’s remnant collection)

• Backing fabric selection

• A narrative description of the design concept, including references to patterns, forms, or motifs inspired by Oak Spring’s gardens, landscape, library, or Mrs. Mellon’s collections

• Any special techniques to be used (e.g., appliqué, embroidery, quilting patterns)

• Details about thread and batting (type, color, and thickness)

Visuals such as sketches, diagrams, or inspiration images are encouraged. Optional additions may include notes from your site visit or any questions for the Foundation.

Final proposals are due Friday, April 24, 2026, and must be submitted as a single PDF via the OSGF portal.

Key Dates

• Application portal opens: Friday, August 1, 2025

• Application deadline: Monday, November 18, 2025

• Site visit invitations sent: Friday, January 9, 2026

• Site visits: March 23–27, 2026

• Final proposals due: Friday, April 24, 2026

• Finalists announced: Friday, May 15, 2026

• Commission working periods: August–October 2026

• Final quilt submission: Friday, February 26, 2027

We look forward to seeing your work and welcoming you to Oak Spring.