BEE FRIENDS CELEBRATE 10 YEARS

Bee Friends, a local quilting bee that formed and quilts at the Price Center, celebrated their 10th Anniversary at the Center with a lunch followed by cake and ice cream on Thursday, June 28. The lively group gathered for a day of quilting, socializing and celebrating in the room they helped inspire, equip and fund – today known as the Multi-Purpose Room.

Bee co-founders Rouye Reese and Martise Cooper reflected on the progress of the group and the Center since their startup. When the group began, they came only once a month and at the time used the Tea Room as their workroom. Today, the Bee gathers an average of three times a month and uses the daylight-infused, upstairs multi-functional studio space to gather and create.

Bee Friends formed in 2008 to provide the opportunity for fellowship with other quilters, chances to learn from new friends, and special time to work on charity projects together. Among their good works are comfort quilts and Christmas Stockings for the clients of the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center and book bags for the clients of Hands of Hope.

The Bee also displays examples of their work regularly at the Center. A current show featuring summer-inspired works hangs in the Stairwell Gallery and a group quilt, titled “Buzzing Thru the Year,” is on display and sale in the Main Parlor.

The example set by Bee Friends has helped the Price Center grow its commitment to the creative arts. In addition to quilt making, opportunities to express oneself creatively abound through six free dance classes a week, a monthly porcelain painting club, and one-off art workshops. Rotating art shows -- including quilts -- are also on display in free, public galleries daily.

For more information about Bee Friends, or the Price Center, please call 512-2392-2900, stop by 222 W. San Antonio St., of visit price-center.org.