Several island merchants are displaying quilts this week in a colorful prelude to the Vashon Quilt Guild’s show, set to begin Friday.

Since 2001, the guild has hosted a show every other year, highlighting the skill of Vashon’s quilters and the art of quilting itself. In this year’s show,  nearly 160 quilts will be on display at Island Quilter and across the street at the Presbyterian church. Adding to the show, more than 30 merchants are displaying quilts in their businesses to create a quilt walk that extends from Giraffe to Kathy’s Corner. Organizers says the intent of the walk is to give quilting more visibility and encourage both islanders and tourists to more fully explore downtown Vashon.

“Part of our intent with the show is to promote other island businesses,” said Su DeWalt, the guild’s president and show organizer.

The title of the show this year is Island Journey — appropriate for a show hung in two places, DeWalt said — and it will showcase quilts in a range of styles and sizes. At the church, the show will also include a demonstration of hand quilting on an Irish chain quilt and a quilt store, where several quilts, both new and vintage, will be for sale.

Visitors to the show can vote on their favorite quilt on Friday and until 2 p.m. Saturday; the winner of the Viewer’s Choice award will displayed after that time. Certified quilt judges will award other ribbons to quilts before the show opens. Vashon’s Community Quilt will be on display at the church, and raffle tickets will be for sale. Several American Hero Quilts will also be on display before they are sent to members of the military wounded in Afghanistan.

The quilt show will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, at Island Quilter and the Presbyterian church. The entry fee is $5 and free for veterans and children 12 and under.

Entry can be purchased at either location, and maps for the quilt walk will be provided.