Catherine's Report on AQE III

Hello Everyone,

Anne Beckett, quilter and former screenwriter, demonstrated her critique method using a beautiful quilt by Ruth McDowell.  Art quilt analysis usually contains 3 elements: technique (coming from the craft roots of quilting); idea (coming from the art roots of quilting); and design, which is essential to both art and craft.

Anne led the group through an analysis of design elements including color, movement, scale, focal points and flow.  She continued with the stories of the quilt, Ruth McDowell's story and Anne’s own story, which revealed a surprising overlap in their lives.  She then emphasized the ideas behind the quilt.  Anne suggested that most observers would get the same message from a successful art quilt; that the art quilter’s goal is not only to express an idea, but also to communicate that idea.

During the critique process it is essential to be honest, truthful, accurate, brave and helpful. Comments must be kept confidential.

Following the presentation, Anne and other members gave many suggestions to those who requested input on their quilts.  We attempted to apply the design suggestions to our own work.

Anne also supplied copies of several articles giving different methods for art quilt critique, which I have on hand.

Thanks to Anne for her presentation, and to everyone who helped out.  The next Art Quilt Explorations will be held in about 6 months.  If you have any suggestions for topics, send them to Catherine or Betty.
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Call for work:

Art Quilts at Grace Hudson Museum

The show title is: Out of the Comfort Zone: New Directions in Quilting

Juried show of quilts between 8'' x 10" and 30" x 40" at the Grace Hudson Museum, Ukiah.
The size range is from 8x10 up to 30x40 inches.
Open to residents of Mendocino and Lake Counties.
Important dates:
January 6, 2012 — entry deadline
March 2, 2012 — exhibit opens
July 29, 2012 — exhibit ends
Quilts are defined as having three layers.

We should be getting more information on this show soon.
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Art Center Ukiah

Reminder: Art Center Ukiah needs help during the economic slump. It’s becoming difficult to keep the doors open and the lights on.

1. Any donations are welcome. The Art Center is also seeking sugar mamas and papas to pledge $100 per month. Contact Marilyn Zensen for details, or just send a check.

2. Any other ideas which would bring in publicity and/or money are welcome, such as meetings, workshops and events which the Art Center could host. Urge your wealthy friends to help out.

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Rag Tag Notes:

We admired the crystal dye fabrics made at the workshop. Most people turned in their letters, which Marge will make into an interesting and beautiful banner for the group.

Rag Tag Future Meetings. We meet at the Art Center Ukiah at Church and State Streets in Ukiah.
November 3, Thursday, 6 pm. Challenge: polka dots
December 1, Thursday, 6 pm. Holiday gift-giving and swap.
January 6, 2012, Thursday, 6 pm. Challenge: Quilted post card (inspired by Daphne’s canyonlands postcards, or choose your own). The cards we make will be quilted, not mailable.

Suggestions for future meetings (from the signup sheet)

1. A collective quilt—all do a 12 x 12 piece. Put it together and give it away or raffle it.
2. Personal favorite quilt to bring and share.
3. Spirals.

Best wishes, Catherine