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Photo by Sam Harrel

It’s a show two years in the making, but local quilting enthusiasts say the Quilt Alaska 2008 show is worth the wait.

The exhibit, at the Bear Gallery at the Pioneer Park civic center, will host its opening reception from 5-7 p.m. tonight. About 40 local quilts will be displayed at the show, which is held every other year.

“Everyone I’ve talked to about it say they wouldn’t miss it,” said Ann McBeth, the chair of Quilt Alaska. “It kind of highlights what (quilters) are doing in town.”

The exhibit is one of many First Friday shows being held tonight at various businesses and galleries. A listing of the free receptions is available in the calendar on page 4.

McBeth said the entries in the Quilt Alaska 2008 show include both traditional designs, such as Irish chain bed quilts, and more abstract offerings such as one that depicts the aurora. The pieces also include everything from large bed quilts, smaller wall hangings, and even quilted garments. All of the work is original, she said, and does not include quilt pattern kits.

Most of the entries come from members of the Cabin Fever Quilters’ Guild, who have contributed to the popular show since the early 1980s. It’s held every two years so it doesn’t conflict with the Tanana Valley State Fair exhibits each August, McBeth said, but some of the pieces literally take that long to complete. One quilter this year even resurrected a piece she made in high school.

“It could take a few week for a smaller piece … Some of these I imagine could be years,” McBeth said.

A portion of the entries are for sale, and raffle tickets will also be sold for a quilt. The exhibit will run through July 27.