Alice McElwain, AQS Certified Appraiser, is the 2026 OPQG Quilt Show Appraiser

McElwain is an American Quilter’s Society Certified Quilt Appraiser. She has studied and passed exams for appraisal courses since 1986. In April of    2014, McElwain was certified as a Quilt Appraiser through the American Quilter’s Society and is currently the only Certified Appraiser in the State of  Arkansas. She is also a member of the Professional Association of Appraisers of Quilted Textiles (PAAQT). McElwain is also a member of the American Quilt Society as well as the American Quilt Study Group and continues to participate in continuing education for her profession.

In addition, she has been a quilt teacher since 1976, owned and operated a quilt shop in Southwest Kansas, and participated in the Kansas Quilt Documentation in 1986. She was acknowledged in the book “Kansas Quilts and Quilters” by Brackman, Chinn, Davis, Thompson, Hornback, and Farley.

In 1992, her quilt, “Showing Homes,” won Honorable Mention in the National Quilt Association Annual Small Guilds Quilt Show. Ragi Marino’s book “Flying High” features one of her mini-quilts and was accepted for the traveling exhibit and is now permanently housed at the Liberal Air Museum in Liberal, Kansas. Her quilt, “Shrove Tuesday,” was chosen for the cover of the Liberal Pancake Day program in 2006. The quilt also won first place in the Pancake Day quilt competition. Many of her quilts have won numerous awards, ribbons, and honors. Alice was also recognized in the April 2025 issue of Quiltfolk magazine. 

McElwain has judged quilt competitions and shows since 1989 at fairs, quilt guilds, and private venues. She continues to teach, lead a local quilt study group, present programs, judge quilts, and appraise quilts. McElwain is also a member of M.O.K.A., a quilt study group of Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas.

The purpose of an appraisal is indicated on the first page of the Appraisal Form. The value conclusion expressed during an appraisal is based on her best judgment and opinion and does not represent or warrant that the item will realize this value if ever offered for sale at auction or otherwise. The value expressed is based on current information on the date the appraisal was made. No opinion is expressed as to any past value or future value. McElwain uses current market values, information from personal databases, antique quilt dealers, auction house sales, formulas for compilation, and online auctions.

Quilt Appraisals

Alice provides in-person written quilt appraisals during the show for the following purposes:

  • Insurance – Establishes a replacement value for insurance coverage only.
  • Fair Market Value – Reflects a likely sales price based on current market conditions, uniqueness, condition, and availability.
  • Donation – Determines value for estate planning, family records, or charitable donation.

Education Appointments
Informal, learning-focused consultations that allow you to ask questions and learn more about your quilt such as its history, craftsmanship, and care. No written appraisal or monetary value is provided.

 Details:

  • Appraisal Fee: $50 per quilt (payable directly to Alice)
  • Session Length: Approximately 30 minutes
  • Includes: In-person inspection, notes, and photographs
  • Delivery: Typed appraisal mailed within ~2 weeks after the show
  • Standards: All appraisals comply with AQS guidelines

Important Notes: The value conclusion provided is Alice’s professional opinion at the time of appraisal and does not guarantee resale value. Appraisals are based on current market values, auction data, personal databases, and expert research.

  • Education Fee: $20 per quilt (payable directly to Alice)
  • Session Length: Approximately 30 minutes
 Scheduling Your Appraisal or Education Appointment

To reserve an appraisal timeslot, submit a pre-appraisal form for each quilt:

Option 1 – Mail:                                             
Send completed forms to:                            
                                                  
Susan Moran
5246 S. Kissick Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804
Deadline: Must be received by May 31, 2026

Option 2 – In Person (OPQG Members Only):
Deliver forms to Susan Moran at a guild meeting. Last opportunity: May 26, 2026

To reserve an Education timeslot, email showchair@ozarkpiecemakers.com with your name, contact information, and the number of timeslots you need.

Walk-in appraisals and education appointments may be accepted if the schedule allows.