Even quilt makers are going green.

The Shoals Piecemakers Quilt Guild’s 2012 quilt challenge’s theme is recycle, repurpose, reuse — and one of the rules given to the quilt makers is the quilt top has to be made from at least 50 percent recycled fabrics.

Those quilts are showcased in the Quilt Challenge ’12 exhibit at the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts. The exhibit is open through Friday, Dec. 14, and is free to the public.

“There are so many different ways you can make art and places you can make art from,” said Barbara Broach, director of the arts center and museums in Florence.

“We try to expand our vision so no one thinks the only way to make art is with a paintbrush, oil and canvas.”

There are 16 entries inthe exhibit — all following the rules put forth by the quild.

In addition to the 50 percent recycled fabric requirement and technical guidelines, the guild also imposes a deadline, minimum size and layering rules.

The purpose of the challenge is to encourage creativity and new ideas in quilting, Broach said.

And to her, the challenge is getting the desired results.

“These are some of the most interesting quilts I’ve ever seen,” Broach said. “We are very proud of this show. It is something everyone can appreciate.”

Mary Todd won the Best of Show, Best Mixed Technique and Best Machine Quilting awards for her entries.

Other quilters receiving awards include: Susan Manno, Most Imaginative and Best Embellishment; Kathy Stephenson, Best Machine Piecing; Edna White, Best Hand Quilting; Valeta Carr, Best Use of Theme; and Judy Coker, Best Use of Color.

Visitors also will be able to picks the People’s Choice Award when viewing the exhibit.

Bobby Bozeman can be reached at 256-740-5722 or bobby.bozeman@TimesDaily.com.