LA GRANGE, TEXAS– The Spring/Summer exhibits at the Texas Quilt Museum are all about colors: in solids, in nature, and in glorious blue and white! They will run March 25-September 18, and are partially sponsored by Reynolds & Associates.
In Gallery II, AQSG 2018 Quilt Study: Inspired by 200 Years of Solid-Color Quilts 1800-2000 was organized by the American Quilt Study Group (AQSG). Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, this non-profit organization promotes the highest standards for interdisciplinary quilt-related studies, providing opportunities for study, research, and the publication of works that advance the knowledge of quilts and related subjects.
Quilt historian Mary Kerr explains, “Every other year the AQSG issues a challenge to its membership to promote quilt study….Working within a specific size range, participants were given the freedom to create an exact replica [or] a partial reproduction, or the new work could simply have been inspired by the vintage piece.”
Guest Curator Vicki Mangum, who will also give a Gallery Talk, comments, “Expertly quilted, these 23 works testify to the diverse cultural and regional distinctions in our country’s quilt history.” (Note: This exhibition closes on June 26, after which we’ll have Flower Show: Antique Quilts from the International Quilt Festival Collection.)
In Gallery III, we’ll showcase 17 stunning art quilts in Natural Wonders from The Frank Klein Collection.
A Texas rancher and prize-winning nature photographer, Frank has a special eye for artwork featuring themes of living things, as evidenced by these pieces all created in the 21st century.
As he informs us, “It is fascinating to discover Night of the Super Moon (46” x 59”) by Laura Fogg. From the exhibit how artists interpret the Natural Wonders from The Frank Klein Collection.
beauty and intricacies of nature. I am especially interested in seeing how quilt artists cut, piece, and sew textiles together, transforming them into meaningful works of art. Seeing artists interpret the great joy and drama of nature is a miracle to behold. Who has ever seen a beautiful sunset and not contemplated the meaning of existence? The closer and deeper you examine nature and your inner self and motivations, the more alive you become.”
Dr. Sandra Sider, Museum Curator, comments on the exhibition, “During the past year, perhaps the world has learned to have a new respect for nature and its powerful forces, as well as for its beauty, while so many of us were deprived of traveling to immerse ourselves in scenic vistas. This exhibition encourages our viewers to appreciate all aspects of the natural world, from flowers, trees, and animals, to the complex wonder of our own bodies.”
This exhibit is accompanied by 12 bronze sculptures and one in stainless steel by renowned wildlife sculptor Kent Ullberg, also from The Frank Klein Collection.
Finally, in Gallery I, we’ll have 19 quilts in Sapphire Celebration.
Quilters have long used shades of blue to symbolize trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. The serene, peaceful effects of blue derive from calm bodies of water as well as clear blue skies.
In many cultures, this color is associated with relaxation, but that effect is not at all present in our Sapphire Celebration, where blue plays off against white in a variety of visually exciting compositions. The imagery includes a woman’s portrait, a ballerina, a pot of flowers, a lacy “garden,” a community embroidered in blue, and numerous geometric motifs, from stars to checkerboards.
The full version of this exhibit celebrated the 45th anniversary of the International Quilt Festival in Houston and was on display in 2019.
Dr. Sandra Sider, Museum Curator, says, “If you like blue, this show is for you!”
The Texas Quilt Museum is located at 140 W. Colorado St., La Grange, TX 78945. It is open Thurs.-Sat. from 10 am-4 pm. Learn more at www.TexasQuiltMuseum.org.
You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
