While she may not consider herself an artist in the traditional sense, Rebecca Martinez has a knack for transforming fabrics into wearable works of art and wall hangings.

And she is a strong supporter of other fabric artists.

For the third year in a row, the Colfax resident is inviting fabric artists to participate in a quilt show to be held during Colfax's Railroad Days celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Martinez as well as Whistle Stop Quilt Shop owner Suzanne Maguire and Realtor Teri Andrews-Murch are hoping to hang at least 30 quilts – ranging from traditional to modern designs — from the balconies of buildings along Main Street from Church to Depot Streets.

While not a traditional quilt show venue, it is not unusual to hold a quilt show outdoors, Martinez explained. Communities like Petaluma and Lafayette have become known for the outdoor venue for their popular quilt shows.

The upside of hosting an outdoor show, the women agree, is that it draws people into town.

"In our case, it will help businesses around here," Andews-Murch said. "It's a way to get people to walk around Main Street and not just stay in the parking lot."

Members of the Colfax Junction Quilters Guild wearing white gloves will be stationed at each quilt to assist admirers desiring to look more closely at the back, Martinez said.

Handmade ribbons will be awarded in several categories, including Best of Show, Mayor's Choice and Chamber's Choice.

Entry deadline is Sept. 13. Fee is $5 per quilt. Applications can be picked up at the Whistle Stop Quilt Shop on Main Street or at the Colfax Area Chamber of Commerce in the historic Railroad Depot.

Proceeds will benefit Operation Mom, a Colfax group that sends packages to military personnel serving overseas.

Each woman draws on her unique vision and love of quilts in planning this event.

A Colfax resident since 1994, Martinez's grandmother was the first person to recognize Rebecca's Interest in art.

"I was 3 or 4," she recalled. "I took her address book and decorated it for her. I copied some letters out of some book, some faces and stuff."

It became one of her grandmother's treasures, Martinez recalled. Instead of scolding her, Martinez's grandmother proudly showed the book off to all her friends.

Throughout high school and college, she continued to study art, eventually focusing on graphic art.

In her heart, however, Martinez is a fabric artist.

"I've had a fabric collection since I was 9," she said. "I was always making things with them. It's my pallet."

She often buys items at thrift stores, then takes them home, takes them apart and either reuses the fabric or redesigns the clothing.

When her children were attending a coop pre-school, Martinez volunteered to design a quilt for their fundraiser. Not only did she fall in love with the art form, but she also delighted in the camaraderie of working with other quilters.

After settling in Weimar in 1993, Martinez connected with the Foothill Quilters Guild and began attending workshops offered through the guild.

She continues to sew – specializing in wearable art and creating her own quilt designs.

While Andrews-Murch has been making baby quilts since she was 12, her true passion is collecting antiques.

"I buy ones that call to me," she said.

Andrews-Murch, who also coordinates the summer hot rod shows, loves the idea of people walking through town enjoying the quilts.

"My mission is to get people downtown," she said.

Maguire also discovered her love for sewing and fabric as a youngster.

"My mom is a wonderful seamstress," Maguire said. "There was always a sewing machine up and a basket of fabric around."

While living in the Bay area, Maguire had a successful business making custom home decorations. Since purchasing the Main Street business, Maguire has ventured into the magical world of quilting.

"I'm on my fourth quilt and it's my first year here."

Martinez stressed the show is open to all levels of quilters.

"If you have a quilt that you like, even if it is not technically perfect, please enter it," she said. "We encourage beginning quilters to now they can make quilts."

They are also looking for volunteers to help them hang the quilts on Saturday morning. Anyone willing to land a hand can call Maguire at 346-8482.