The Textile Center in Minneapolis is exhibiting the seven quilt exhibitions “We Are the Story” with the Women of Colors Quilters Network (WCQN) now until June 12, 2021. These exhibitions illustrate black history in the United States by representing thanks to quilts symbols of liberation, resistance and empowerment. Learn more at the link on our blog: quiltmania-inc.us/we-are-the-story-quilt-exhibition-in-minneapolis

AQSG 2018 Quilt Study: Inspired by 200 Years of Solid-Color Quilts 1800-2000 was organized by the non-profit American Quilt Study Group (AQSG), based in Lincoln, Nebraska. 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.” 

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 how artists interpret the 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.”

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.

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.