LG’s Deborah Bradley Named New Director of Texas Quilt Museum

Karey Bresenhan and Nancy O’Bryant Puentes, co-founders of the Texas Quilt Museum, announced today that Deborah Bradley has been named the Museum’s new Managing Director. She replaces Julie Maffei, who had been with the Museum since its 2011 opening and recently retired.

“We are thrilled that Deborah will now lead the team at this truly unique treasure and amazing art destination in the state of Texas,” Bresenhan and Puentes said in a joint statement. “We know that she will bring a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and fresh ideas to the Museum as well as its exhibits and expanded programs. She’ll also strengthen ties with the city and people of La Grange and other local businesses and institutions.”

Bradley herself says. “I am happy to have joined this incredible icon to share the art of quilting with the world. I am excited to pursue opportunities to take the Texas Quilt Museum to the next level...there’s something for everyone here. Even if you don’t quilt!” She also notes that she’s looking forward to working with “the fabulous docents” from the Colorado Valley Quilt Guild and beyond, who provide indispensable guidance, knowledge, and quilting know-how to visitors from all across the world.

Bradley is definitely a “local.” She graduated from La Grange High School and is the daughter of the late, Jeanne and Ken Blanchette. Bradley lived in Houston for 12 years after college while honing her skills in Program Development, Event Management, Interior Decorating, Graphic Design and Marketing. Bradley returned to her roots in 2002 with her husband, John and son, Asher, in tow. She is best known as “The Wedding Planner” in these parts, through her professional event production company, Deborah Bradley Events & Designs, LLC. The Bradley Family welcomed their daughter, Railla, in 2005, and then they were four.

Deborah was elected to La Grange City Council and served for almost five years, served on the board of ARTS for Rural Texas and has authored four books.

“I am proud that La Grange, Texas is the home of the Texas Quilt Museum! It is the perfect community for such a lovely homage to women’s history,” Bradley says. “I cannot wait to share the legacy of quilting and how it has evolved with our incredible community and beyond. We have a lot of new plans, like Trick-or-Treat on The Square, and a FREE night at the Museum during Schmeckenfest, the annual wassail tasting and Christmas celebration. We are delighted to be on this year’s commemorative Schmeckenfest tasting stein; which celebrates the Historic Reichert Building, home of the Texas Quilt Museum.” She continues: “We are excited to share the incredible art quilt exhibits the Texas Quilt Museum has been known for, and fun new programs for kids like ‘Storytime with Santa’ and a Children’s Discovery Exhibit, where kids will explore and learn all about the art of quilting. All are welcome here, and I look forward to meeting the many faces—both familiar and new—that grace the galleries of this wonderful place.”

The Texas Quilt Museum is located at 140 W. Colorado St., La Grange, Texas 78945. Hours are 10 am.- 4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. For more information, visit www. TexasQuiltMuseum.org