A unique art form is coming to DeKalb this weekend.

The DeKalb County Quilters Guild’s “DeKalb County Harvest of Quilts 2004” will feature about 250 to 300 quilts, said Sally Estes, publicity chair for the show.

There will be quilts from Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and other states. Lynne Erbach, a National Quilting Association certified judge, will judge them. Show Chair Nancy Baker said there is a huge variety in the types of quilts that will be on display.

There are 15 to 18 different categories for contestants to enter, with ribbons being awarded in each category as well as in special categories such as “Best of Show” and “Most Creative.”

Quilts will be judged in several different areas, including workmanship, color. Among the winning pieces in last year’s competition were an Amish-style quilt and a contemporary art piece. A small quilt can take 10 to 15 hours; a large one can take one to three months, depending on if it is hand- or machine-quilted,” she said.

For those who only work on their quilts occasionally, it may take a year to finish.

The show is not only for quilt makers. There will be a small quilt silent auction, where part of the proceeds will be donated to The Kishwaukee Tri-County Health Foundation to help cover the cost of mammograms for women who have little or no insurance.

DeKalb County Harvest of Quilts 2004

Who: Sponsored by the DeKalb County Quilters Guild

Where: Clinton Rosette Middle School, 650 N. First St.

When: 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for children 10 and under