| Paducah, Kentucky – After an illustrious career spanning thirty years, Bonnie Browning, the Executive Show Director of the American Quilter’s Society (AQS), has officially announced her retirement in April 2024, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the quilting world. Under Browning’s guidance, AQS QuiltWeek has become a hallmark event for quilters, attracting thousands of attendees, renowned instructors, and industry professionals. Her commitment to excellence, innovation, and fostering a sense of community within the quilting world has earned her admiration and respect from quilters worldwide.. Reflecting on her retirement, Browning expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the AQS Executive Show Director. She stated, “As Mark Twain wrote: Find a job you enjoy doing, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life. Who wouldn’t love creating events for the shows, sharing how to make quilts, and getting to travel all over the world to be with quilters? As doors opened, I walked through them and have enjoyed every minute of working with quilters!” As Browning embarks on this new chapter of her life, she intends to continue her involvement in the quilting industry as a mentor, advocate, and passionate quilter, and to tie her love of drawing Zentangle© art with quilting. Her wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm will undoubtedly inspire future generations of quilters. AQS President Bill Schroeder III expressed heartfelt appreciation for Browning’s leadership and the profound impact she has made on AQS and the quilting community, “I cannot express my gratitude for what Bonnie has done, not only for AQS, but the quilting community. Her commitment to our company has been nothing short of exceptional since she arrived in 1994. The ideas and leadership she brought to AQS will never be forgotten. We wish her nothing but the best and hope she enjoys retirement.” Co-Founder and former AQS President Meredith Schroeder said, “I’m proud to join with the American Quilter’s Society in congratulating Bonnie on her upcoming retirement. In the 30 years she has been the AQS Executive Show Director, she has made a tremendous difference to the company. I wish her the very best for the future and to continue living a fulfilling life.” AQS looks forward to announcing the successor that will fill the significant role of Executive Show Director. The organization is committed to maintaining the high standards set by Browning, ensuring the continued success and growth of AQS QuiltWeek and other prominent quilting initiativesfont> American Quilter’s Society is the largest quilting membership organization providing education and support for quilters around the world. AQS has been serving the quilting community for nearly 40 years through quilt contests and shows, in-person and streaming educational opportunities, publications including American Quilter magazine, and quilt appraisal training. |
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