Last Sunday was the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles 40th Anniversary Celebration kick off. The staff put together a fun & festive line up of activities including tours, trunk shows, live music and interactive make and take projects.
I was stationed in the main hallway at the Mini Quilt station where attendees could create their very own mini quilted masterpiece. The museum staff did a great job of kitting up all the supplies: a rainbow of felt background squares, assortment of fabric scrapes and tulle netting to make it an official quilt with 3 layers! Once their composition was complete, the artist brought their artwork over to Martine and I, who then proceeded to add quilted texture. I attempted to keep track of all the fabulous mini quilts that I worked on...but got distracted by all the creative energy and lively conversations! If I had to guess, I would guestimate that I quilted somewhere between 30-40 mini quilts during my 4 hour shift. The time flew by as I had so much fun engaging with each artist as I inquired about their masterpiece and answered questions about quilting. The best part about this activity was how it appealed to all ages, males & females alike! Who could resist playing with fabric and creating an original masterpiece?!?
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| Sample of Quilted Masterpieces |
Luckily I arrived before the festivities kicked off, as it gave me a chance to check out some of the amazing exhibits that are on display. Two galleries contained quilts from the Modern Quilt Guild travelling exhibit.
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| Top (left to right): Breathe by Leanne Chahley, Modern X by Christa Watson and Eichler Homes by Mickey Beebe (quilted by Tami Levin who lives in the Silicon Valley area); Bottom (left to right): Half Square Triangles 2015 by Tara Faughnan, Indie by Phoebe Harrell and Collection by Carolyn Friedlander |
There was so much to love about this exhibit: negative space, clean lines, minimalist designs and fun color combinations. I was especially drawn in by some of the amazing modern quilting motifs.
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| Blobarella by Hillary Goodwin |
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| Bauble by Emily Cier, Quilted by Angela Walters |
Another gallery contained an exhibit entitled Three Left Coast Artists: Linda Gass, Linda Macdonald & Gyongy Laky. Each artist addresses different political issues through their artwork.
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| Top to Bottom: Linda Gass, Gyong Laky and Linda Macdonald |
Such a fun day filled with quilting inspiration and conversation! I hope you get a chance to check out the current exhibits and be sure to check out the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles website and facebook page for more 40th Anniversary events and programs!!
You are always so generous with your time, Mel. What fun to quilt all those minis. And to see these galleries of quilts. I've always loved Eichler Houses. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI had such a fun time and was very much in my element at the celebration and seeing attendees of all ages create their very first quilt! And the exhibits are fabulous...I hope you get a chance to check them out! I am hoping to return again so I can spend more time with the various exhibits!!
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