The Western Illinois Museum is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibit in its Walkway Gallery showcasing the artistry of local, prize-winning quilter Millie Sorrells. The exhibit Inspiring Stitches: Embroidery Quilts by Millie Sorrells opens with a reception on Saturday, November 29, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and will remain on view through February 17, 2026.
Now in her nineties, Sorrells continues to inspire with her vibrant creativity and passion for the art of quilting. This latest exhibition features 20 new embroidery quilts, many with festive winter and holiday themes, revealing her joyful use of color, intricate stitching, and imaginative design. Each piece reflects her enduring dedication to the craft and her ability to turn fabric and thread into stories full of warmth and beauty.
Millie Sorrells is a charter member of the American Quilter’s Society, past president of the Land of Lincoln Quilters, and an active member of several regional quilt guilds. Her award-winning work has been exhibited across the country and is included in the permanent collections of the Illinois State Museum, the International Quilt Museum in Nebraska, the National Quilt Museum in Kentucky, and the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts. In 2022, Sorrells donated a number of her quilts to the Western Illinois Museum, ensuring that a selection of her work remains in her hometown.
The Museum extends special thanks to volunteers Sandi Bolster, Mary Margaret Harris, Dona Lantz, and the Museum’s collection manager, Karen Mencel, for their support with research and installation. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
For more information, call 309-837-2750, text 309837-2613, or email [email protected].
