A website dedicated to photographs and videos from Canada and around the world with an emphasis on nature, wildlife, food, travel and sport as well as art, architecture and culture. In culture, the focus will be on projects related to the work of His Highness the Aga Khan, his Ismaili Muslim community and Islam in general.
Photographs and Stories of Beautiful and Unique Hand-Made Quilts Exhibited in Calgary by the Bow River Quilt Guild
Visitors enjoying refreshments at the Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al-Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
Last autumn, out of interest and curiosity, I drove to the Al Azhar Shriners Centre, a social space for members of the charitable organization spread worldwide and known for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. This was after a walk through the nearby Bowness and Baker Parks, where the fall trees had peaked and the larch trees planted at Baker Park had turned to golden-yellow. It was a beautiful autumn day, and I couldn’t resist capturing the serenity of the Al-Azhar grounds by the Bow River in my photographs.
My photos were posted on this blog, a platform that has become a space for me to connect with others and share my experiences. I then shared the photos with a gentleman I had met at the Centre during my visit. The word of the photos quickly spread.
Poster distributed by the Bow River Quilt Guild containing Malik Merchant’s scenic autumn photo taken by the Bow River on the grounds of the Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Alberta, September 2023.
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Malik Merchant at the Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild at the Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-Jine 1, 2024.
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Quilt show adverisement by the Bow River Quilt Guild containing Malik Merchant’s scenic autumn photo taken by the Bow River on the grounds of the Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Alberta, September 2023.
A few weeks later, I was pleasantly surprised to be approached by Heather Hill of the Bow River Quilt Guild. They had seen my photographs and were particularly drawn to one of them. They expressed their interest in using it for a poster and ads to promote the Quilt Show in spring 2024. I was deeply touched by their appreciation and promptly provided them with a high-resolution image. Their gratitude was palpable, and it was a joy to contribute to their cause. They kept their promise and informed me as the show drew nearer, a gesture that I truly appreciated. I was touched when they presented me with complimentary tickets to attend the show on May 31-June 1, 2024, inside a hall at the Al Azhar Event Centre.
Story continues below
Just imagine entering an exhibition hall and being surrounded by vibrant, colourful and painstakingly hand made quilts! The Quilt Show Along the Bow was organized by Bow River Quilt Guild at the Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
A view of the Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
Friday, May 31, turned out to be a beautiful day, and the visit to the Quilt Show was one of the two highlights of the weekend. The other was the Aga Khan Foundation’s 40th World Partnership Walk, a global initiative to raise funds and awareness for various social and economic development projects in Africa and Asia. This event, held on Sunday, June 2, was a testament to the Ismaili Imamat’s commitment to making a positive difference in Africa and Asia. Pictures from the WPW held at the beautiful Prince’s Island Park park can be seen HERE.
At the Quilt Show, I was touched by the sincere and heartfelt welcome I received from Helen and her friends. The beautiful quilts around the entrance area at once made me exclaim, “WOW.” I knew I would enjoy the show. Each quilt had a story to tell. I present a collection of photos from the show along with a short story that each artist provided.
I sincerely thank the Guild for inviting me to this beautiful — and well organized — show. I have seen commercially prepared quilts, but here I was seeing the artisitc ingenuity, craftsmanship and the creative mind of the weaver. I dedicate this piece to the Bow River Quilt Guild and everyone who contributed their quilts to the show. If you missed the show this year, make it a point to attend it in 2025. Note that each quilt image is preceded by the story of the quilt. If I have erred in relating a story to the accompanying quilt, please send me an email to mmerchant@simerg.com.
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE QUILT SHOW ALONG THE BOW
NOTE: Stories of quilts preceding each quilt can be clicked on for enlargement.
Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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The gracious, welcoming members of Bow River Quilt Guild at the Quilt Show at the Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Visitors admiring hand-made exhibits at the Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al-Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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One of many stalls where quilt making items were available for purchase; Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Visitors admiring quilts at the Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al-Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Quilt Show Along the Bow organized by Bow River Quilt Guild, Al Azhar Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31-June 1, 2024. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg Photos.
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Gazebo by the Bow River on the pleasant and peaceful grounds of the Al Azhar Shriner Event Centre, Calgary, Canada, May 31, 2024.
Date posted: June 5, 2024.
CORRECTION: In an earlier version of this piece, a wrong story was attributed to the quilt “Dresden Reimagined.” We have corrected the story for the quilt. We shall correct any similar mistakes as they are brought to our attention. We regret the error.
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