Kascha Quilts — Attraction in Genesee

An absolute "Gem" on the Palouse is KASCHA QUILTS. Located midway between Lewiston and Moscow, Idaho in the picturesque farm town of Genesee it is a must see stop for tourists traveling the area or locals looking to see something "spectacular." Watch for the Cow Creek Road turnoff about 18 miles from Lewiston, 14 miles from Moscow. Open Thursday-Saturday and by appointment.

Karen Schoepflin Hagen began quilting in 1975, and now 50 years later Karen has amassed an amazing collection of 400+ quilts of varying size, colors, materials and themes, housed on two floors in a donated Masonic Lodge at 148 E. Ash Avenue. Admissions free but it is a non-profit hosting a variety of educational activities, so I'm sure donations are welcome to support their efforts in the community.

When you first enter, it's hard to take it all in. All the colors. So much beauty. Such creativity, each with a story of its own. The collection is beautifully displayed over two floors with space and lighting to accentuate the "art" because that's what these quilts are, works of art. Unlike other museums with a "no touch" policy, the opposite is true here. Karen wants you to touch and feel the fabrics, embroidery, stitching and differing textures. In this way you can totally appreciate the amount of love and effort that went into each piece. Did I mention that none of these quilts are for sale. No, there only there for your enjoyment.

Karen will probably be hosting when you visit and she will escort you through her collection, recounting stories and details behind each quilt. A life long resident of the area, with such energy and positivity its hard not to come away impressed.

Some notable and creative quilts: a deck of 52 cards with each card creatively represented by an image, an alphabet similarly designed, a "work in progress" on lower level, map of US with each state represented by its state flower, Statue of Liberty, Christ in Garden of Gethsemane, surrounded by Christian Symbols, Clowns, Swans, Palouse fields of grain, Classic dolls, and to many more to describe (see some photos, which don't begin to do the...

It was AMAZING to see the creative talents of a quilter all in one location. Though they are quilts, they read like a works of art. Karen has an inspiring gift and loves to share with others. The quilts are an extension of herself and showcase her creativity, sense of humor and individuality. I could go every weekend and see something new that I didn't see on a previous trip. Even the bathrooms have quilts! If you are a quilter, an artist or an admirer of either, you will LOVE this stop! It is free, they do accept freewill donations. There are a few steps into the 1st floor and a staircase to the basement. I did not see handicap accessibility between the two floors...though it is possible both floors have entrances. I brought my aunt, uncle, cousin and friend....

This is the most amazing and indescribable display of quilting creativity that I have ever seen. Over 350 quilts by the same artist, most of them hand-quilted, beautifully displayed. Karen is available and walked us through explaining all the humor, symbolism and detail in each quilt. A feast for the eyes, mind, and senses. This is a treasure in the midst of the Palouse wheat fields. Check the website for opening hours...