The Joy of Quilting
Just in time to warm up, and brighten up the dark winter evenings, ArtsWestchester will present an exhibition entitled Patterns, which will showcase 36 quilts by members of the Westchester-based Village Squares Quilters Guild (VSQ). The exhibition will feature traditional patterns and highlight the wonderful designs that are possible by varying placement, shapes, and color choices. There will be a boutique containing various sized quilts and other fabric based items for sale. Quilting demonstrations will take place during the exhibit. Patterns will be on view at ArtsWestchester’s Arts Exchange, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains from February 5th through March 20th.
A traditional quilt is made of three layers; a top, the center batting material and the backing fabric. The top is usually made of multiple pieces of fabric sewn together to form a pattern. Historians believe that the process has been used since the time of Ancient Egyptians, who made quilted clothing for cool desert evenings. According to Meg Cox, author of The Quilters Catalog: A Comprehensive Resource Guide, “the peak in early American quilt making came between 1830 and 1870.”
“Quilts never go out of fashion,” explains ArtsWestchester Executive Director Janet T. Langsam. “Our Patterns exhibition will demonstrate that today’s quilters have boundless imaginations, with the result being an extraordinary range of gorgeous designs. At the same time, handmade quilts have joyful associations that go beyond their visual appeal. They are often family keepsakes that are handed down through the generations, passing on happy memories.”
Founded in 1983, the Village Squares Quilters Guild boasts about eighty members from Westchester and the Bronx. The group meets every month on the second Tuesday in the Wilson House of First Baptist Church in White Plains. The goals of the guild include fostering friendship among quilters, furthering quilt education, and using their skills in various charitable outreach programs.
According to Catherine Johnston of New Rochelle, the President of VSQ, quilters especially enjoy opportunities to show their work in an exhibition setting. “Quilters put many hours into creating their pieces and they like to share their work with others. Most bed size quilts are labors of love for family members to enjoy. But, after the quilt is completed, it often stays in the bedroom, and is rarely seen. So it is exciting for quilters to share their work with the public.”
Village Squares Quilters sponsors a number of Outreach programs each year. In 2008 over 100 twin size bed quilts were created by members in a three month period. These quilts went to veterans living at the Montrose VA hospital. Other on-going outreach programs include making baby quilts for area hospitals and the Bedford Babies program. Members visit the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility twice a month to teach quilting to inmates with babies. These outreach projects are not only rewarding but, often attract new members. “New comers are always welcome and no prior experience is necessary,” adds Johnston, who has been quilting for over 30 years.
Beyond illustrating that quilting is a traditional art form that has many local practitioners, Johnston and her members believe that the Patterns exhibition will serve to educate Westchester residents about present and future trends in the art form. “In the United States today, quilting is a billion dollar industry, and fine art quilts are fetching considerable sums through galleries and the art market,” adds Johnston. “Visitors to our exhibition and Saturday workshops will also see how new tools and materials, are bringing the art form into a new era.”
Members of the Village Squares Quilters Guild will be conducting public workshops at 2 pm during select Saturdays that the exhibition is on view. Those interested in workshop topics and instructors are encouraged to check back at www.artswestchester.org, for a finalized schedule.
An opening reception will be held on Friday, February 5th from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Gallery Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 12-5 pm, or by appointment. For more information call (914) 428-4220 x 223 or visit www.artswestchester.org.
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