Join Piedmont Arts for an opening reception in honor of the museum’s new exhibits on Friday, Nov. 8, 5:30 p.m., at the museum. The exhibits will be on display from Nov. 9 to Jan. 11. Exhibits at Piedmont Arts are always free and open to the public.
Curated by master quilter Linda M. Fiedler and quilter Betty Blessin, “Art of the Quilt,” will feature quilts by over 40 artists from around the Southeast.
Themed “ex-per-i-ment,” this year’s exhibit features hand- and machine-stitched quilts, contemporary textiles, and two group challenges. A “challenge” is when a group of quilters all create quilts with a common theme, pattern, stitch or material. Challenges featured in this exhibit focus of reimagining the Alamance Rose antique quilt pattern and developing a quilt design inspired by a word beginning with the letters “Re.”
Marking a transition from thinking of quilting as a functional skill to one of artistry and beauty, quilters find an increasing importance of form, content, and narrative in their creations. “Quilts have developed a beauty, a maturity, and a place in the art world that was not apparent even a few years ago,” says Feidler. “This artistry can be appreciated on many levels — from looking at the overall color, design, and emotional impact to studying the workmanship, techniques, and embellishments.”
In the Lynwood Artists gallery, quilts from the Virginia Foothills Quilters Guild will be on display. This a biennial group exhibition includes everything from wearables to wall hangings to good, old-fashioned bed coverings.
A quilt crafted by members of the Virginia Foothills Quilters Guild will be raffled off during this exhibit. The quilt was donated for the raffle by Karen Despot. Raffle tickets are $5 and all proceeds will benefit exhibits at Piedmont Arts. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the museum or online at PiedmontArts.org.
The opening reception and exhibits are sponsored by Brenda Ayers, Bunco Babes, Chix with Stix, Martha Drane, Floyd Quilt Guild, Inc. Marty Gardner, Suzanne Hutchens, Lynwood Artists, Anne & Gene Madonia, Nancy Philpott, Betty Lou & Ron Pigg, Stitch Party Studio, Julie Thomas, Virginia Consortium of Quilters, Virginia Foothills Quilters Guild and Lynn & Noel Ward.
The opening reception is free and open to the public. Complimentary wine and light refreshments will be served. RSVP required by Friday, Nov. 8 and can be made by calling the museum or online at PiedmontArts.org.
