About Us
The White Bluffs Center is a tribute to the North West Pioneers, who brought their quilts west with them to establish this territory. When the going got tough, many things were tossed from the wagons to lighten the load. Quilts however, were never tossed, they were prized for their versatility and usefulness. They were used as tents for shelter, padding on the bumpy ride, warmth during the cold nights and lastly, they were used to wrap the bodies of those buried along the trail.
In January of 2007, a small group came together to establish the infrastructure for an umbrella organization that would represent all quilt and fiber arts groups in Eastern Washington.
The group soon had a Charter, By Laws, Policies, Procedures, a Business and a Strategic Plan and an application for Federal non-profit status, which was approved on March 28, 2007.
The White Bluffs Quilt Museum is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit Organization. Contributions to White Bluffs are deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. White Bluffs is also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Code. White Bluffs is further classified as a public charity.
Thanks to the generosity of the Benton County Commissioners, the group has leased a "store front" in the Plaza Shopping Center at 4034 D West Van Giesen, in West Richland, WA. This small (1,200 ft) facility is currently being used for classes, market and exhibits. After officially opening on June 1, 2009, we discovered that by November 1, 2009 we had already logged over 4,000 visitors. Our outreach programs have touched many thousands of others.
Brick & Mortar grants are being pursued for a permanent facility. If you would like to help in this process, please contact us through the Contact Us page or info@whitebluffscenter.org
Our Community
Communities that are pursuing tourism dollars are recognizing that activities such as Textile Centers provide a large tourism draw. Major exhibits bring visitors. Programs coordinated with Tri-City events, sports, agriculture and wine industry activities increase attendance and tourism. White Bluffs has several special programs available for tour groups or visiting organizations. Call us for details.
In April every year, the American Quilter's Society draws 35,000 quilters to Paducah, KY for one of the biggest quilt shows in the country. Quilting has been used as an economic engine to revive this once-declining town. The story of Paducah also helps demonstrate why quilting is now a $3.3 billion industry, with an estimated 27 million enthusiasts. 
In 2004, 53 million American women knew how to knit and crochet, an increase of over 20 million from only a decade earlier. Studies conducted by the Craft Yarn Council of America have documented the increased interest in all textile arts. Weaving, spinning, and basket making have also experienced this amazing rebirth.
Quilters, sewers and weavers travel long distances to participate in planned classes. Cruises and quilting tours are advertised in all major magazines. Washington State University sponsors a SewExpo in Puyallup, WA, in the Spring, that annually draws 58,000 participants from around the world.
A White Bluffs Regional Textile Arts Center is a good thing for our Community and the Quilters, Weavers, Spinners and Basketry Artists that make up our community. Attend our monthly meetings and check us out.
The White Bluffs Center
meets every month.
Check the Calendar for the date and time.
White Bluffs Center
4034D W. Van Giesen
West Richland, WA
(509) 967-2555
All are welcome to attend.
Share our dream, sign up today.