The following article was originally published in the Adirondack Weekly. The 23rd Annual Northeast Quilts Unlimited ended November 11. Thank you to all who were involved.
The Arts Center/Old Forge will open "Home for the Holidays" on November 27th with a wine tasting reception from 4 - 6 pm.
By Jenifer M. Russell, New Hartford, New York
Professional Quilt Maker, Lecturer, Appraiser of Quilts,
Instructor of Fiber Arts
On opening day of the Northeast Quilts Unlimited I walked into the main space of the Arts Center/Old Forge to see the works of the fiber artist and all I thought to myself was ... stunning! They have done it again. The talent, workmanship, and design content of the show are incredible.
There is so much variety in this year's Northeast Quilts Unlimited; color, traditional work, contemporary work, pieces by needle artist, and autumn leaves paintings. Not only will quilt makers enjoy but also art lovers in general. The traditional exhibit is showcased as you enter the main space with Barbara Christen of Chittenango quilt "My Roots" a traditional Baltimore Album quilt which won 1st Place in the Bed Quilt Division and Best of Show. This piece is exquisite with hand appliquéd vines, leaves, roses and birds.
In “Rosamunda” Amy Trumpeter of Danbury, CT, the 3rd place Wall Quilt Winner displays a lovely and colorful floral appliqué. The fabrics are so bright and cheerful; her placement of color is evenly distributed.
Mary Knapp of Watertown, NY entered her quilt "A Study of Visual Perception" with figures of fish and birds shown in a beautiful sky and water background. A large piece, this quilt shows an incredible use of a gradation in color of fabrics and is completely hand quilted.
The Ruth G. Roseneau Gallery space showcases artists of RAFA (Rochester Area Fiber Artists). "Spring's Promise” by Anne Fischer is a beautiful depiction of springtime in fiber. A robin with her nest full of eggs is the center of attention in this piece. The artist creatively uses a collection of yarns and chenille making up the birds nest. Beautiful works of abstract art, large and small are displayed in this gallery. One must see them in person to appreciate the fact that these are all works in fiber.
The Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) works are located in the Members' Lounge Gallery. Visual Arts and Fiber come together in their pieces, with many to view at the show, along with their published book. Also in the Members’ Lounge is an area for children of all ages to try their hand making a quilt pattern using a flannel board and felt pieces of assorted shapes; children’s quilting story books and an embroidery hoop are ready for anyone to try stitching a design.
In the Adirondack Gallery, Mohawk Valley Embroiderer's Guild of America (EGA) and North Country Chapter American Needlepoint Guild (ANG) members showcase their needlework. The artists have created pieces using a wide array of techniques from traditional needlework to contemporary designs and methods. Jane Tanner, ANG, her piece “Glittering Diamonds" effectively incorporates a blend of mixed embroidery threads, beads, and metallic threads in geometric design set on canvas. She has such a fine detail in her work.
In "English Garden" a work of fine cross stitch, Winifred Llewellyn, EGA, shares with us her love of her embroidery and expertise in her handwork. She recently told me that her handwork in fiber arts is her passion, and it really shows.
Upstairs in the Balcony Gallery, Dan Bacich shares with us his compositions in pastels and acrylics with Leaves being the focus of his creative expressions. His paintings along with ceramic tile reproductions of some of his works are available for sale. Dan states ‘while quilters have frequently drawn inspiration from the work of painters, I believe my paintings provide ample proof that the reverse is true as well…there are many common ‘threads’…patterns and colors, subtle geometry of composition…”. His works are wonderful addition to the quilt show as the autumn season is here for us to enjoy.
For those of you who enjoy quilts, but are not quilters, there is a raffle of an Adirondack themed quilt, and there are over 24 quilts and quilted items for sale that were donated by various quilters, the proceeds to benefit fiber arts programs at the Arts Center/Old Forge. Be sure to plan a drive to the Arts Center of Old Forge to experience this year’s Northeast Quilts Unlimited. The exhibit runs until November 11, 2009. Admission is $5 for non-members and $3 members. Groups of 6 or more are admitted at the member’s prices. After seeing the show, make a morning or afternoon of it and have a nice bowl of soup or hot lunch in town to take the chill off the day. Take in the scenery and on the way out of the Arts Center, if you are interested in learning about quilt making and the fiber arts, sign up for one of the many classes offered. Congratulations to the staff and volunteers of the Arts Center/Old Forge and the Northeast Quilts Unlimited.... well done!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment