The ancient art of Egyptian tent making comes alive this month at the second-largest quilt show in the United States. Similar to hand applique sewing, examples of this craft have been found buried in the great tombs of Egypt and is considered today a dying art form.

Where: Road to California Quilter’s Conference and Showcase at the Ontario Convention Center

When: Jan. 19 through Jan. 22; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tarek Abdelhay and Hosam Hanafy are coming from Egypt to demonstrate and display their ancient craft. Hosam is a tentmaker through and through while Tarek, an attorney by profession, is not practicing currently so that he can focus entirely on his tentmaker work.

Having these tentmakers at Road to California is one way to help preserve this ancient art and culture which has been facing modern-day struggles as machines try to replace hand-made items and unscrupulous businesses copy and sell the unique designs.

Road to California hopes to bring attention to the beautiful yet shrinking art of the few remaining tentmakers who continue to practice their trade.