Now showing at The Women’s Museum and Museum of Nature & Science.
If every quilt tells a story, then the exhibitions woven together for Quiltmania II speak volumes. Seventeen museums throughout the Metroplex are simultaneously showcasing quilts on seventeen different themes through Spring, 2009. The original Quiltmania, with a similar format, was so popular that another quilt event was demanded by aficionados.
The Women’s Museum: an Institute for the Future and The Museum of Nature & Science are two of the Quiltmania II participants…presenting quilt collections that vibrantly capture the essence of each museum.
Voting by stitching.
“Partisan Pieces: Quilts of Political and Patriotic Persuasion” is a unique traveling exhibit at The Women’s Museum, organized by the International Quilt Study Center and Museum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “Into some of the 15 quilts on display are woven voices of 19th and early 20th century women who were then not permitted to vote, but still clearly expressed their political and patriotic views,” says Maury Ford, Exhibits Manager. “Quilting is a time honored feminine art form, and American women have been making quilts since the early days of the American Revolution. They could easily stitch together ribbons from political rallies, weave in candidates’ images, symbols such as eagles or important historical dates like July 4.”
One of the best-preserved samples of a politically-inspired quilt is a Whig Rose design from 1858. “Though the Whig Party dissolved in 1856—it was the party of William Henry Harrison, Daniel Webster and others who supported the supremacy of Congress over the Executive Branch—this quilt is still a magnificent commemorative piece,” observes Mr. Ford.
U.S. Centennial celebrations in 1876 saw the popularity of “Crazy Quilts,” which combined remnants of political fabrics, patriotic colors and presidential candidates’ buttons or ribbons stitched in asymmetrical patterns. Every scrap of fabric was utilized.
Politically-inspired quilts are still popular as women’s (and men’s) voices continue to be heard. Today’s examples and those of yesteryear have created a bond between generations of women. “Partisan Pieces” will be on display through March 29, 2009.
Natural textures of Texas.
Down the road at the Museum of Nature & Science, the mood is pure Texan. One local quilter, Carol Morrissey, weaves her whimsical yet factual observations into “Flora and Fauna of Texas”: 27 quilts, ranging from 12” x 15” to 7’ x 7’ that bring into perspective the relationship between art and the natural landscape of Texas. The exhibit runs through March 29, 2009.
“Art and science are not distinctive,” says Paul Vinson, Director of Exhibits at the Museum of Nature and Science. “To us, they form a beautiful continuum. We’re always looking for artists who can blend both in an interesting way.” In fact, the building in which the museum is housed was the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts when constructed for the 1936 State Fair of Texas Centennial.
“Follow Me” glimpses into the lives of Texas sea turtles as they instinctively swim, one behind the other, off the Gulf Coast near Galveston.
“The Toad Formerly Known as Prince” is a true Texas native from Ms. Morrissey’s garden. His bumpy skin is captured with special quilting lines and fabric choices.
Bluebonnets, Georgetown poppies, Gaillardia and Pansies are among quilts that represent favorite flowers of the Lone Star State. The 6’ “Carrot Farm” is an amusing nod to the expression, “Everything’s Bigger in Texas.”
“This is such a fun exhibition,” notes Mr. Vinson. “It’s the second time we’ve taken part in Quiltmania. Last time we focused on the technology behind quilting; we hope to explore more facets of this art form next Quiltmania.”
To find more information on “Partisan Pieces,” go to The Women's Museum.
For “Texas Flora and Fauna,” visit the Museum of Nature & Science. A complete guide to where Quiltmania II is being showcased—and the themes at each venue—can be found at the Quilt Mania II web site. ‘Quilt Crawls’ are planned on the Saturdays of November 8, 2008; January 24, 2009 and February 28, 2009.
Photo Credits: Andy Epps
