Susan Damone Balch

Vermont Quilt Artist & Fly Fishing Instructor

About Susan

Throughout my childhood, the women in my family inspired me to explore a variety of needle arts.  My mom  introduced me to the sewing machine when I was just five years old.  When I was a young adult searching for something I could be passionate about, I discovered quilting and  fly fishing.  I knew that these were both activities that I could pursue for a lifetime, and immersed myself into both worlds.

I have produced hundreds of quilts since 1978, many of them winning awards at shows throughout the country.  I love to share my skills as well, and have been teaching others the arts of quilting and fly fishing since the mid-90's.

In 1996, I became involved with
Casting for Recovery, a national non-profit organization providing support to breast cancer survivors through fly fishing retreats.  I devoted most of my time between 2000 and 2007 to my full time job as Program Director of this wonderful organization.  Throughout those years, I had the opportunity to travel all over the country, to fish in some beautiful places, and introduced hundreds of women to the art and healing power of fly fishing.  While I still teaching fly fishing, in 2007, I turned my focus back to the art of quilting.

I live in rural Vermont with my husband and dog and have a quilting studio in my home. I also enjoy organic gardening and being in a band with my husband and friends.  

I am a member of
Studio Art Quilt Associates, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, Trout Unlimited, and the Federation of Fly Fishers.


Exhibits & Awards

2011

Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival XXII - Juried
Hampton, VA

The Great Outdoors: Quilts Celebrating Nature - Invitational
Morgan Outdoors, Livingston Manor, NY

Graceful Rise: Women in Fly Fishing Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow - Invitational
Manchester, VT

Billings Farm & Museum - Juried
Woodstock, VT
Juror's Choice, Curator's Choice, and People's Choice Awards

2010

Billings Farm & Museum - Juried
Woodstock, VT
Juror's Choice Award

Maple Leaf Festival of Quilts
Rutland, VT
People's Choice Award

The Great Outdoors: Quilts Celebrating Nature - Invitational
Morgan Outdoors, Livingston Manor, NY


2009

"The Best Little Quilt Show in Vermont" - Invitational Show
Jamaica, VT

The Vermont Quilt Festival - Judged Show
Red Ribbon

The Great Outdoors: Quilts Celebrating Nature - Invitational
Morgan Outdoors, Livingston Manor, NY

2008


"Piecemakers: Vermont Country Quilts, 1830 - Present" - Invitational
Comtemporary Quilt of the Month - November
Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History
Middlebury, VT 

The Great Outdoors: Quilts Celebrating Nature - Invitational
Morgan Outdoors, Livingston Manor, NY

Maple Leaf Quilters Festival  of Quilts
Rutland, VT

Quilts & Hooked Rugs - Invitational Show
Chaffee Art Center
Rutland, VT

2007

Contemporary Vermont Quilters - Invitational Show
Shelburne Museum
Shelburne, VT


Selected Exhibits & Awards from 1989 - 1999

1999

Endangered Species Exhibit - Invitational Show
New England Quilt Museum
Lowell, MA

1995-1997


Vermont Quilt Fesival Teacher's Exhibit

1995


Vermont Quilt Festival - Judged Show
Governor's Award/Exceptional Merit

Quilters Gathering - Judged Show
Honorable Mention - Machine Quilting

Textile Medium - Juried Show
Best Original Concept of Design

Quilting in the Tetons - Judged Show
First Place

1994


International Quilt Festival - Juried Show
Houston, TX
Award of Merit

1993


Vermont Quilt Festival - Judged Show
Judge's Choice

Quilters Gathering - Judged Show
First Place - Excellence in Quilting

1990


Quilters Gathering - Judged Show
Second Place - Excellence in Quilting

1989


Vermont Quilt Festival - Judged Show
Governor's Award

Quilters Gathering - Judged Show 
First Place - Excellence in Quilting

 

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