Showing Off Quilts December 23 2019 1 Comment

While creating is its own reward, we like to show off the things we make, too. Especially if we can make it into a big con, but just as sweet is the smaller exhibition. Recently, the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild did just that.

A small exhibit of 33 quilts created by its members adorned the second floor of the North Regional / BC Library in Coconut Creek, Fla. The exhibit called ‘Marvelous Modern Minis,’ showing from November 2, 2019 through December 19, 2019, had an opening reception on December 5th.

On this night, the community in attendance named it’s favorite by popular vote. The community favorite quilt and creator received a handmade ribbon. Two other awards, each with their own matching handmade ribbons, were bestowed to Best Use of Scale and Best Use of Color—guest judges decided these two. All three ribbons were handmade by award-winning quilter Charlotte Noll. (Additionally, the community favorite winner will receive a gift card for Red Thread Studio!)

The three winning quilts are:

Best Use of Color: Marcia Degner, Bangkok Floating Fruit Market, 16.5" x 16.5"

Best Use of Color SFMQG Marvelous Modern Mini

Best Use of Scale: Linda Gordon, Rectangles II, 7" x 16"

Best of Scale SFMQG Marvelous Modern Mini exhibit

Community Favorite: Patti Auten, Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright, 16" x 16"

Community Favorite SFMQG Marvelous Modern Mini

 

Another benefit of a local guild holding an exhibit, aside from that coveted chance to show off your hard work, is sharing the love, skill, and art form of quilting with new faces and a new generation. Something your larger cons may not garner as much as a public library can.

Lastly, the members themselves learned something new in the way a small quilt is prepared for hanging in a gallery style environment. Quilters usually plan for hanging by affixing a sleeve to the backside. However, when there are hanging systems of rods and hooks in place, the traditional sleeve is eschewed for hanging wire. The guild learned new ways to prepare their pieces beforehand with a deeper dive into quilt preparation shared on its blog.

Congratulations to all the winners of Marvelous Modern Minis exhibit. And for anyone brave enough to show their work to a crowd, big or small.