Susan M. Andrus, winner of "Best of Show" and first place ribbon and cash award for "The Country Road" in the counted cross-stitch category at the 2008 Fiber Arts show, held Feb. 22 - 24. Advertisement

The 12th annual Fiber Arts 2008 show, held Feb. 22 - 24, sponsored by the Pahrump Arts Council and coordinated by the Shadow Mountain Quilters, resulted in 42 cash prizes awarded to 33 quilters and needleworkers.

Melinda Gorley and Lynn McDonald chaired the show committee. More than 100 items were entered into the competitions, an increase both in entries and prize categories over last year, according to McDonald.

The cash awards, along with other awards and recognition, honor the artistry of the quilters and needleworkers and their dedication to learning and excellence, stated Gorley, adding, "We are already planning for next year."

Judges awarded cash prizes and ribbons for first, second and third place winners in 14 categories. Other winners received special ribbons in Best of Show, Judge's Choice, People's Choice, and honorable mention categories. "A minimum of three people must be entered in a category for judging to take place. All prizes may not be awarded in all categories at the judges' discretion," Gorley said.

The grand winner of the day was Barbara Griffith, whose large quilt, "Ramblin' Rose Meets Jamestown," featured shades of cream and red, machine pieced and quilted. Her work won a first place ribbon and cash award in the large quilt category, as well as a Best of Show ribbon. Her other entry in the large quilt category, "Red/Green, But Not Christmas," earned her a second place ribbon and cash award. Griffith also received ribbons and cash awards for second place in the small quilts category and a third place in embroidery - mixed media.

Sandra M. Andrus won first place ribbon and cash award and Best of Show in the counted cross-stitch category for "The Country Road," a work so finely stitched that many viewers mistook it for a painting.

Victoria Brazzle won first place in the small quilts category and received a Judge's Choice ribbon. Diane Johnston won first place in the embroidery category and received a Judge's Choice ribbon for "Redwork."

In the woven needlework category, Nancy Shallenberger won first place and Best of Show for her "Swedish weaving - Oriental design." In the crochet category, Margarita Aguilar received an honorable mention and a Judge's Choice ribbon. In the embroidery - mixed media category, Carol Wertsbaugh received first place, as well as second, third, and honorable mention in embroidery.

The prestigious "People's Choice" ribbons and cash awards are based on the votes cast by show attendees for their single favorite entry. Judy Toll received a first place ribbon and cash award for her exquisite hand-quilted "Grandmother's Flower Garden." Shirley Pierce received second place for her colorful hand-quilted "Clamshell." Third place went to Ann Bousquet for her 2007 Quilted Dragon "block of the month" large quilt.