Tag Archives | Exhibits

African Wax Prints

What do Michelle Obama’s purses, large chickens, and drought all have in common?  They’ve all inspired African batik fabrics. Originally designed in the Dutch East Indies, these fabrics are now designed and printed commercially in Holland and sold – to a very enthusiastic market – along the coast of Africa.

You can learn all about it at the current exhibit, “Wandering Spirit,” on display at the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts, in Melbourne, FL.

African Wax Prints. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

The fabrics, along with garments made from them, are displayed beautifully. Most of the patterns are large, with strong contrasts, and vivid colors.

African Wax Prints. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

I attended a gallery walk lead by Dr. Gifty Benson, who is an expert from Ghana. She explained that the fabric patterns each have distinctive names: horse hair, bad year (after a drought,) Happy Family (of chickens,) and such.  Even more interesting, special patterns are created to celebrate or commemorate notable events and people.  For instance, in 2008 several patterns were designed to honor Barack  and Michelle Obama: 6 patterns for him and 2 for her.

The fabric shown here is called “Michelle Obama’s Bags.”  Can you see them?

African Wax Prints. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

There was another one called “Michelle Obama’s shoes,” which was printed with high heels.

This yellow dress was my favorite.

African Wax Prints. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Check out the sleeves. Aren’t they interesting?

African Wax Prints. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

These fabrics are sold in 6 yard lengths.  Buyers then cut them into 2 yard lengths and use two of the resulting pieces for a skirt, and a top.  The third piece is often simply hemmed to be used as a shawl or a head wrap.  (Or maybe some fancy sleeves.) You can see some examples of how the three pieces were used in the garments below.

African Wax Prints. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Dr. Benson said that the release of new patterns is eagerly anticipated, because the women “just love them!” I’ll be they do have some fun planning how to make these garments.

I’m still thinking about the choice to honor Michelle Obama with prints about her shoes and her purses.  It made me wonder what sort of prints would honor/depict me? How do you depict an outgoing chatterbox?  Some big lips, maybe?  A jumble of alphabet letters?  It’s kinda fun to think about.

Ellen Lindner

 

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AQS Daytona Show 2018

I was VERY impressed with the quits shown at the recent AQS show in Daytona.  MANY of the quilts on display could have been winners in any show.

AQS Quilt Show Daytona. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Andrea Brokenshire, My Rhodie

This piece, made entirely of little black dots, garnered a lot of attention.

AQS Quilt Show Daytona. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Olga Gonzalez-Angulo, Captivated by Nature,

The largest dots in this photo are about the size of a sequin.

AQS Quilt Show Daytona. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Olga Gonzalez-Angulo, Captivated by Nature, close detail

I loved the energy and transparency of this piece.

AQS Quilt Show Daytona. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Christina McCann, OR7

AQS Quilt Show Daytona. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Christina McCann, OR7, detail

 

AQS Quilt Show Daytona. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Sonai Grasvik, Flicker II

Check out the textures and details of this feather.

Sonai Grasvik, Flicker II, detail

Doesn’t this look like the contours and light of a slot canyon?

AQS Quilt Show Daytona. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Kimberly Lacy, Fire in the Canyon

 

AQS Quilt Show Daytona. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Cindy Peterson, The Buick 8

This elephant shows a wonderful use of plaids and other prints.

AQS Quilt Show Daytona. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Elizabeth Ownes, The Ellephant

AQS Quilt Show Daytona. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Elizabeth Ownes, The Ellephant, detail

This large piece was one of my favorites.

AQS Quilt Show Daytona. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Bonnie Bucknam, Tumble

The quilts were so great I hardly had time to visit the vendors! 🙂

Ellen Lindner

 

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Dressing Downton: Part Two

Continuing with a glimpse at the “Dressing Downton” exhibit, this is  one of Sybil’s maternity dresses. (The last of the “everyday” outfits.)

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Now, for some more gowns.  In this case, those worn by Lady Cora and Lady Rose at her presentation to the court.

Here’s Lady Cora’s, which features vintage beading on the bodice and shoulders.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And this is Lady Rose’s gown.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

When I saw this episode I thought the fluffy head pieces were rather ridiculous looking. However, the sign (shown above) explains that these were required, along with a train and the carrying of either a bouquet or flowers.

I saw a recent movie about Queen Elizabeth and the court presentation scene (in the 1960s) showed similar ostrich feather head dresses.  Perhaps it continues today?

Moving to the end of the series, this is the outfit worn by Lady Cora at Edith’s wedding.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

These are just a few of the costumes on display as part of this exhibit.  It’s well worth  a visit, if you get the chance.

Ellen Lindner

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Dressing Downton: Part One

Are you a Downton Abbey fan?  I am, big time!  So, I was very excited to see “Dressing Downton,” an exhibit of many of the outfits worn on the show.  It’s currently on display at the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, FL, which is a show-stopping setting in its own right.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

It was originally the Alcazar hotel, built by Henry Flagler in 1888. It was a wonderful backdrop for these period costumes.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Clothing was showcased in vignettes, with wonderful signs explaining each outfit and how it was used in the series.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

As you can see, the lighting was dim (similar to the period, I imagine,) and flash photography was not allowed. The clothing above was worn for the hospital charity ball.

This sign explained several of the wardrobe conventions of the day.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

But, let’s back up to episode 1: the outfit Lady Mary wore to dinner when she met the infamous Turkish diplomat.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Weren’t you hooked after that episode?  Who could look away?

Also, from season one, check out the dowager’s bustle.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And a footman’s outfit/livery.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

There was very informative signage explaining not only the fashions of the day, but the customs, as well.  Read more about footmen below.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Of course, country pursuits were also depicted.  This shows one of Lady Mary’s riding habits.  Check out that side saddle. I wouldn’t want to try it.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And then there was hunting.  These two garments were from the scene when Richard Carlisle went hunting with the family.  His outfit was on the left and Lord Granthams on the right.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Weren’t you a little bit happy when Sir Richard over dressed and was too hot in this dapper outfit? Even his boots were dandy!

Speaking of outdoor pursuits, here’s Edith’s farming outfit.

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Of course, she didn’t own an outfit for the purpose of farming, so this sign explains that one was “cobbled together.”

Dressing Downton. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

It was all very interesting.

Ellen Lindner

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Winter Lights

While in Asheville, NC, my husband and I attended “Winter Lights” at the North Carolina Arboretum.  It was spectacular!

Even from the parking lot, we were mesmerized by the beautiful light-wrapped trees. Tons of them.

Winter Lights. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And when I say these trees were wrapped, I mean they were REALLY wrapped!

Winter Lights. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Can you even imagine how many lights are on that one blue tree, above?  I can’t.

The display took good advantage of the many trees, but there were also some very beautiful fake ones.  These slowly changed colors, so  I had to take about six pictures of them.

Winter Lights. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Trees were also used to show off other items.  Like several beautiful chandeliers.  They changed colors, as well. Very cool, right?

Winter Lights. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

These more subtle colored cones were one of my favorite things.  They were made with translucent plastic wrapped around a single bulb and “planted” in the ground. (I want them in my yard.)

Winter Lights. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Check out these 4 blue sculptures.  As you  might guess, they also changed colors.

Winter Lights. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Here’s a detail shot.  Can you tell what they’re made of?

Winter Lights. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

That’s right, bottles of water.  A light in the center illuminates them.

I’ve only shown you a sampling of the many displays that made up this exhibit.  If you’re in the area during winter I encourage you to check it out for yourself.  (But bundle up, as this Floridian did.)

Ellen Lindner

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“Circular Abstractions,” an Awesome Exhibit

While at Quilting by the Lake, I got to visit the Schweinfurth Art Center, which was hosting an exhibit called “Circular Abstractions.”  Oh my, these quilts really make an impact!

As you can see, they’re quite large: each about 80″ square.

"Circular Abstractions" Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

By Kaci Kyler, Marks IV

The quilts were meant to be inspired by a large Bulls Eye pattern.  That is, four quadrants, each with a bulls eye (target) motif.  The challenge was proposed by Nancy Crow, and she invited certain students to participate.  Some artists got very creative with their interpretation of quadrants and bulls eyes, as with the quilt above.  But, that was sort of the idea.

Others stuck to the bulls eye motif more clearly, but still with LOTS of variation.

"Circular Abstractions" Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

By Randi Morgan, Traveler

Some artists disassembled the components and put them back together askew.

"Circular Abstractions" Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

By Patricia Guthrie, Rolling Color

Our class teacher, Rosalie Dace, gave us the assignment of selecting a piece to buy if we were gallery owners.  This piece was my pick.  I really love it.  Wouldn’t it be great in a large public space or on a business wall?

"Circular Abstractions" Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

By Tommy Fitzsimmons, Orbicular I

Tommy, (above) really S T R E T C H E D the proportions and I think it’s very successful.

Rosalie also asked us to select a quilt we’d like to take home.  Although the one above tempted me mightily, I just kept gravitating back to the one below. I think I could look at it for hours!

"Circular Abstractions" Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

By Kaci Kyler, Marks III

Doesn’t it just glow?  When you look closely, you can see the woven effect created by ALL THOSE LITTLE PIECES.

"Circular Abstractions" Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And then, finally, you notice the VERY TIGHT matchstick quilting.  Compare the texture to that of the wall.  Amazing, right?

"Circular Abstractions" Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

This is a FABULOUS exhibit, which demands a little bit of study.  It’s divided into trunks and is traveling around the country.  If it comes close to you, you’ll definitely want to see it!

Ellen Lindner
P.S. I only showed you a few of the quilts in the exhibit.  There are about 20 or 30.

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Elliott Museum Exhibit: Part Two

More images from the Elliott Museum in Stuart, FL with an exhibit that showcases the heritage of quilts, as well as the current genres.

This piece by Louise Hall was mounted on black.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

This octopus by Pam Post attracted lots of attention.  The suckers were 3D.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Linda Ludemann’s cranes were also very popular.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And here I am with my piece Ti Plants A-Glow-Glow.  There was a very interested docent who asked me lots of questions about it.  Among other things, I told her how I jagged cut many of the pieces to give an unpredictable organic feel.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

In addition to fabric quilts, this exhibit includes several pieces that reference quilts and quilt designs.  Like this miniature quilt store.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And then there’s this.  A nice historical quilt, right?  Well, yes, but that’s not the artwork.  The bed is!

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

On closer inspection, you can see that Angela Scozzari, the artist, has stacked five rusted box springs for this piece.  The quilt is merely staging.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Another of her pieces was made up of rusted panels arranged on the floor in a grid. She was also invited to show several other works.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

As you can imagine, the fiber artists in the group were of mixed opinion on her pieces.  However, everyone agreed that they were very interesting.

This is a very nice exhibit, but it only runs through July 15th.  If you want to see it don’t delay!  Need more reasons to visit? The museum includes a large collection of antique cars and other vehicles and machines.  Plus, it’s RIGHT AT the beach.  There’s something for everyone.

Ellen Lindner

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Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit

I recently attended the opening of a quilt exhibit in a very nice museum, the Elliott, in Stuart, FL.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

The exhibit shows the progression from traditional and utilitarian quilts to art quilts and even includes some pieces that PUSH the definition of quilt.

The exhibit space is pretty large.  Here, you can see about 2/3 of it.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

The exhibit runs loosely chronologically from left to right.  These older quilts are either owned by the museum, or submitted by the relatives of the makers.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

The large quilt  below was made by the grandmother of Cathy Heeter.  Then, Cathy used it as inspiration for a smaller one, shown at left.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Very cool, right?

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Continuing around the room, there were several quilts that bridged the gap between traditional quilts and abstract art.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

These three pieces were made by Linda Ludemann and were inspired by pansies.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Then, some representational quilts.  The top trio were made by Michele Sanandajian.  And the bottom five by Luanne Carson.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Gabriele DiTota created a vibrant 3D piece.

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Elliott Museum Quilt Exhibit. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

I’ll show you more images in the next post, as the quilt story unfolds.  (You’ll even see something fairly controversial.)

This is a very nice exhibit, but it only runs through July 15th.  If you want to see it don’t delay!  Need more reasons to visit? The museum includes a large collection of antique cars and other vehicles and machines.  Plus, it’s RIGHT AT the beach.  There’s something for everyone.

Ellen Lindner

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“Growth” Part Three

These are the final pieces that make up the “Growth” exhibit, currently on display in Dunedin, FL.  As you can see, the Florida members of SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) are very talented!

This piece by Susan Rienzo was front and center.

Growth: Part Three. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Doris Hulse made this piece, which includes references to Alice in Wonderland and other fairy tales.

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

Gabrile DiTota used little girls dresses as a resist on her work, below right.

The two pieces on the left were made by (top) Gail Cassaday, and (bottom) Leslie Cohen.  You can probably tell that the lower piece references a hurricane.  Something we’re all too familiar with here in Florida.

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

Gayle Wolfe’s piece, “WAGACA” is shown below.  The title stands for “What goes around comes around.”

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

The pieces below were made by (top) Kathryn Robinson, (bottom) Regina Dunn, (left) Linda Hoffmeister.

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

And, finally, these two pieces were made by (L-R) Ellen Nepustil and Barbara Watler.

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

Actually, looking at my catalog I see that I neglected to get photographs of three more pieces made by these artists: Karol Kusmaul, Maya Schonenberger, Patricia Turner.  My apologies, ladies.

I think you’ll enjoy this exhibit.  Especially since THREE other art quilt exhibits are also on display in this arts center!  Especially delightful is Karol Kusmaul’s “Shirt Tales” exhibit, consisting of 47 fabric portraits.  Karol uses primarily thrift store fabrics, which add a wonderful folksiness.  Here’s a sneak peek.

Artwork by Karol Kusmaul. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

As you can see, her pieces are hand stitched.

Artwork by Karol Kusmaul. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blo

I know the top one is her dad and I believe the bottom left one is, too.  They’re so narrative: personal, yet universal at the same time.

These exhibits will be up all summer, through August 18th.  Find full details here.

Ellen Lindner

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“Growth” Exhibit: Part Two

Continuing with the great art included in the “Growth” exhibit, these pieces (L-R) were made by Annette Boncek and Marianne Williamson.

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

The piece on the left, below, is one of my favorites, by Maggie Dillon.  The one on the right was made by Jann Warfield.

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

(L-R) these 2D pieces were made by Becky Stack, Gretchen Brooks, and Loreen Leedy. The 3D piece in the foreground was sitting on a pedestal and it was made by Annette Boncek.

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

Here’s a close up view of the inside.

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

Maya Schonenberger created this lovely piece.

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

And here’s another Barbara Watler piece, also with heavy stitching.

 

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

One of my favorite pieces in the show was this one, by Pam Lowe.

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

I really like the round shapes against the ripples of vertical hand quilting.

"Growth" Exhibit in Dunedin

I’ve now shown you all the quilts hanging on the outside perimeter of the room.  But, there’s still more to see!  In the next post, I’ll show you the pieces hanging on the interior partition.

Ellen Lindner
P.S. I’d love it if the artists shown would comment on this post and tell us more about their pieces, (including titles.)

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