Spotlight on Virginia Quilters - Kay Thompson Summitt

Kay Summitt is a quilt artist who creates story quilts that celebrate family, nature, and meaningful memories. Primarily an appliqué quilter, she combines techniques such as needleturn appliqué, reverse appliqué, fabric and thread painting, and embellishment, using cotton, linen, silk, and even upholstery fabrics to bring her narratives to life. Inspired by her mother’s love of flowers and influenced by artists Ellie Sienkiewicz and Ruth McDowell, Kay Summit’s work seeks to bring joy and comfort to those who encounter it. In addition to her studio practice, she curates exhibitions, gives lectures, and supports fellow quilters, encouraging them to share their creativity with the world.

Kay will be at the museum on Saturday, April 25 for a Meet the Artist Afternoon.

The Virginia Quilt Museum is honored to introduce our newest series of exhibits as we share the work of outstanding quilters from across our great commonwealth, "Spotlight on Virginia Quilters." Throughout 2026, we will feature three different quilters who have worked quietly behind the scenes perfecting their craft, sharing their expertise, and supporting their local communities. These artists may never have won national awards or taught on the big stages, but they are the backbone of our quilting communities. These small exhibitions will feature 4-8 works from the artist and be on display for 7-8 weeks.

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