Lisa Van Groningen spends years crafting quilts by hand appliqueing individual panels and then combining them into a beautiful work of art.
Rather than holding on to the completed pieces, Van Groningen – who discovered quilting with her mother in 1995 after spending the majority of her life working with fabric through knitting, crocheting and other needlework disciplines – opts to give the works, some of which can take years for her to complete, to various organizations for fundraising efforts.
And her latest quilt, which took her more than 18 months to complete, will be the featured quilt at the 38th annual Manteca Quilt and Doll Show next month at the San Joaquin County Office of Education.
“There are some that I’ve made that I’ll hold to, and there are some that I’ve made for my kids that I will give them that I hope will stay in the family,” Van Groningen said. “But for the most part the joy that I get out of this is working with my hands and doing something creative.
“Being able to see something that I’ve created go towards raising money for things that I believe in is the highest compliment possible.”
Before she even reached the age of 12, Van Groningen had already learned the tools of needlework, knitting, crocheting and machine sewing from her mother and developed a passion that she would carry on into her adult life. It wasn’t until her mother asked if she wanted to take a class that focuses solely on quilting, she said, that she discovered her true passion, and has dedicated her free time – which, with two teenagers and their activities is scarce – to creating beautiful, intricate patterned projects ever since.
The featured quilt that will be on display at the upcoming show – which will take place on Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – will be raffled off to raise money for the local group that has long supported local philanthropic activities and needle arts in general.
“I believe God created us in his image to be creative, and each of us needs to find what we love to create and set aside time to do it,” Van Groningen said. “I am blessed to be married to a man who encourages me to take time to create.”
The Manteca Quilter’s Club Quilt and Doll Show will feature the work of many beautiful quilts, wall hangings and wearable art, and the different quilting styles and designs will be on display to showcase the versatility and range that the unique and passion-driven activity provides.
Nearly 20 vendors are expected to be on hand at the show to provide unique handcrafted items for sale.
The event will take place on March 4 and 5 at the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s Wentworth Building – located at 2707 Transworld Drive in Stockton. Admission to the quilt show, which will run on Saturday, March 4,  from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, March 5,  from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is $7 for one day and $10 for both days. Children ages 12 and younger are free.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.