Woodlawn Needlework Show Celebrates 60th Anniversary

WOODLAWN, VA — Woodlawn will celebrate 60 years of its Annual Needlework Show, which is the nation's largest show of needle arts with judging.

The show runs throughout March, except on Tuesdays, at Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House. Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House's tours and special exhibits will be open the same hours as the show — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The show was started 60 years ago by Adelaide Bolte and Emma "Pinkey" Matheson, the co-founders of the Nelly’s Needlers. Woodlawn, a historic site, has a history of needlework that began with its first owner, Eleanor "Nelly" Custis. Contributions also came from enslaved seamstresses.

Today, Nelly’s Needlers, continues to be a volunteer group of needleworkers. The show has grown to become the largest needlework show with thousands of pieces from artists around the globe.

"We hope that this year’s show shines a light on the tremendous mental health benefits that arise from stitching and gives us another opportunity to come together in community to uplift this art and recognize its importance, especially in today’s fragile world," the show's website states.

This year, a special exhibition honors the show's founders Adelaide Bolté and Emma "Pinkey" Matheson with their original works. Another exhibition features works from three guilds celebrating anniversaries — the Constellation Chapter of the Embroiderers Guild of America, Oatlands Chapter is part of the Embroiderers' Guild of America, and Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild.

A returning feature of the show is Nelly's Cafe, seated dining service in Woodlawn’s Underwood room. The cafe features dishes like chicken salad, quiche, lemon tarts, chocolate cake and more. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the show.

Visiting the show costs $15 for adults or $6 for students in kindergarten to 12th grade. Admission is free for children 5 and under.

For more information, visit www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/needleworkshow.