HANGING DAY AT NC ARBORETUM

Armsful of quilts, 4 hard workers, and 4 hours later....

Fiber Arts & Nature - 3 Perspectives was hung at the NC Arboretum.

It will be on display July 10 - Sept. 28, 2014.

Here's a sneak peak.......before all the signage was up and the untidy wire ends were hidden.....and unfortunately, not every space was photographed.  Heck, I need to leave some surprises don't I?  Hope you can visit.

MARKETING WALL ART

I've blogged several times about the lengthy preparations for my solo exhibit at the NC Arboretum.....which is finally now ongoing through October, 2013.  

I was so intent on getting the display up that I neglected to take photos of the stunning grounds.....except for this snap shot of a fountain in front of the educational building.  My bad!!!

 It was a good thing 'the husband' came with me because none of the hanging devices that are normally in place were up.  What should have taken no more than two hours, ended up taking well over four.  I'd still be there if I didn't have his help!

 The facility is not your typical gallery.....there is ample wall space but it's located in hallways...making photo taking difficult.  That's an advantage for viewers though, as they can get 'nose close' to the work and the lighting is quite good. 

 This grouping of 4 Seasons quilts ended up being much closer together than I would have liked.  It wasn't as much a space issue as the lack of functioning hanging devices.  Normally the quilts displayed are large, requiring far less equipment, however because most of my exhibit featured small quilts, we were scrambling for hangers.  In the end, all 28 pieces I brought got hung! 

I suspect many of you following this blog might be at a stage in your fiber lives, like me, where we've given everyone we know a quilt...at least twice. Yet, more ideas must be explored and our inventories continue to grow.  After 25+ years of workshops, books, magazine articles, cruise/tour projects, plus all my new work, well...you get the picture. Finding new homes for my wall art is a huge priority.  

Paying commissions for retail sales are a way of life.  It may surprise you that it's not uncommon for the retailer to charge 50%.  That can really bump up the price of the work!  Obviously, finding new ways for your pieces stand out in a crowd is helpful....

So....here's what I wanted to share in this post.  Do you know what a QR is??  It's that little black and white square containing a pattern of more squares that you see popping up on just about everything these days.  When a QR reader app is downloaded on your smart phone, a QR can be scanned to obtain more information about the product or service it represents.

STRK.IT is a new service offering stickers that can be applied to paper products, plus sew on and iron on squares.  I've added separate signage the higher priced quilts in the hopes that it will encourage the viewers to take more time studying and considering the pieces.

I chose to record 'the story behind the quilt', allowing the audio to run about 2 minutes each.  Services such as text, or video are other innovative options.  

I found it fast & easy to use....even for me who is not very techy.  I even added an iron on stkr. to a quilt that will be a gift....recording a message for the recipient to find when it's unwrapped. 

 You youngins' that read this blog may have already embraced this type of technology, but for me it was new and hopefully it will help to generate sales in this particular setting.  Maybe it will be helpful to you too!

MADE MY DAY!!!

At the risk of sounding terribly self-indulging.....let me share several things that 'made my day' yesterday....

Before I do.....for anyone local who is reading this...don't forget the Asheville Quilt Show is ongoing now through Sunday at the WNC AG Center, across from the Asheville Airport.  It won't disappoint you!!  But of course you'll want to see the show early enough to allow you to get home and watch the Packers on national TV late Sunday afternoon!!!

 Besides the obvious opportunity for inspiration at a quilt show and of course shopping, the Asheville Guild offers several daily free lecture/demos presented by our members.  Yesterday afternoon I presented one.  At the end of my chat...Janet Ginn of Greer, SC, MADE MY DAY!!  

She introduced herself and shared with me that every morning, without fail, the first thing she does is read my blog.  OH MY!!!  Now, that's a lot of pressure.....and as I told her.....I was sure there were more worthy things to do!  However, I'm very, very flattered.....thank you Janet.  It's great to know I have friends out there enjoying a cup of morning coffee with me!


The following two quilts are on display at the Asheville Guild Quilt show.....much to my surprise they both earned ribbons. That too, 'made my day'!  This will be a great way to remember each of them since they are both going to new homes shortly!

2nd Place

Judges Award

(I've given out dozens of judge's awards over the years in my role as quilt show judge, but I've never received one....thank you to Scott Merkin who awarded this quilt with that honor!)

I took numerous photos yesterday of some of my favorite quilts in the show and will get them downloaded and hopefully post them for you to enjoy tomorrow.  

See you tomorrow Janet!!!

SHADY LADIES 2012 QUILT SHOW

Each year, at the end of May, we all look forward to the Shady Ladies Quilt Show held at Lake Logan in Canton, NC.  

  The Shady Ladies are a group of local, national and international women who gather every Tuesday at the Shady Grove Methodist Church to quilt.

It's such fun to examine their self-portrait quilt that is displayed.  Each block is basically an individual bound quilt....the units are held together with safety pins!  What a clever way to be able to update the member's pieces!

 The highlight of the show is their annual challenge.  This year the theme was based on our quilting heritage.  The makers were required to include one of three historical quilt patterns..... (a.) Ohio Star  (b.) Log Cabin  (c.) Wedding Ring.  A few of those challenge quilts are posted here (as well as other pieces from the show).....most are available for purchase.  I'd be pleased to put you in touch with any of these quilt makers if you are interested....just email me using the link in the upper right side bar.


This piece made by Sally Pollock is entitled "Ohio Star" 27" x 26".  I love the simplicity of the design and how effectively she incorporated her block requirement into the patchwork sky.

 I personally always look forward to seeing Chris Regina's contribution for each challenge.  As always, it's striking!  "Cabin With a Twist" 32"x36" was made using hand dyed fabrics, machine quilted, and highlighted with Big Stitch hand quilting.

 "Serendipity" 27" x 29" was created by Jane Cole, a founder of the Shady Ladies.  It's machine pieced, quilted, fused, painted & hand stitched.  Jane's designs are always masterful, as are her construction skills. 

 "Triplets" 25" x 17" is another Jane Cole original.  Made using cottons, synthetics, machine quilted, hand stitching, & applique.

 I didn't see anyone who didn't stop and make positive comments about this charming piece.  "If Andy Had Known Our Baxter" 17" x 24" (NFS) by Barbara Wilkins.

 Detail

According to the signage, the image was photo transferred and thread painted.

 There was so much to study on this piece.  The use of large scale fabric was very effective as is her color placement.  See below for more details.

The signage is included in this post to source the design.  The photo also provides a view of the free hand thread sketching that framed the pieced area so beautifully.


The show concludes today......so if you are in the area......consider taking a quick run up to Lake Logan to see it....if not...mark your calendar and watch for it next year!

NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM - PTA EXHIBIT

We are so fortunate to have such a great working relationship between the Asheville Quilt Guild and the North Carolina Arboretum.  They provide gallery space all year long, in two month stints, for single members or small groups that belong to our guild.

The last two days I've made the trek to Asheville to hang quilts made by members of the fiber group I belong to - PTA - Professional Textile Artists.

Here's a sneak preview......if you are in the area, please plan to visit - May 1 - June 30th.  All the quilts on display are available for purchase.

 This foursome are my pieces.  Each one is the original quilt that was published in my book, "Embellishing With Felted Wool".  Since all of them are botanical, I thought they'd fit in the setting quite well and I hope they will each find a good new home!

Our group is very proud to have Georgia Bonesteel as a member.....this is one of two of Georgia's pieces in the exhibit.  I mention this quilt specifically because as I was leaving today, two viewers who were obviously quilters noticed her name on the signage.  They gushed and gushed about actually seeing one of 'the famous' Georgia Bonesteel's quilt in person.  Isn't that nice!

PISGAH INN QUILT DISPLAY 2012

Every tourist season (April - Oct.) our fiber art group (PTA) is fortunate to hang quilts at the famous Pisgah Inn which is located at the 5,000 foot peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

We've had wonderful success matching our quilts with new owners and hope this year to have more of the same.

If you get up that way....be sure to stop at their restaurant for the good food, great view and to see our quilts....(mine is the yellow and black on 2nd on the left in the first photo)

QUILT ART EXHIBIT

Our fiber group, PTA, spent the afternoon viewing Lake Logan Reflections - Quilt Art by the Shady Ladies. This is their 8th annual quilt show and each one gets better and better. The most anticipated part of the show in my opinion is their annual challenge.

The theme this time was PHOTO FINISH. The work was to be an interpretation of any photo taken by the quilt-artist. Any quilting technique was allowed except photo transfer. The pieces were appx. 20 x 30 inches and have no borders. Each piece must be made entirely by the quilter; from taking the photo, to interpreting the design, to stitching and quilting the piece themselves. I know you will enjoy seeing just some of their results:

UTAH QUILT SHOW

The State of Utah's Quilt Show is held annually.....the location moves around their state......this year it's in Midway. Opening night was Tues.......here are some quilts that struck my fancy.

WILD FLOWERS by Sharon Moran (pattern source: Primitive Gatherings)

I was drawn to her quilt because of the beautiful wool applique designs.

"OLYMPICS 2010" by Francine Berrett, Quilted by Roberta Boyce - Original design. I was pleased to award my 'teachers' ribbon to this lovely quilt.

This is just one of several beautiful wholecloth quilts in the show. "SOPHRONIA" was made by Helen Butler: Pattern source - 'Rosemaling' by Sue Schmidt.

"TURKISH DELIGHT' by Helen Butler

Detail - it was quilted on a home sewing machine.

This little piece was adorable....it was part of a small quilt auction to benefit the fight against Breast Cancer. It was made by Liz Sulik.

This event is at the very top of my list of super well run conferences.....the organizers haven't missed a thing, the students are eager to learn, the facilities are great. I may stay for another month!