These are large complex quilts, intended to tell a story about a place, a time, or an event. They take many months and are full of detail.
Spirit of Spruce Chase – A commissioned ‘story quilt’ depicting some of the delightfully eccentric features of this historic Bee Tree Valley property, selected by its current residents, who are contributing to its playful spirit. This quilt won a ribbon from the Quilt Alliance, a national organization dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing quilts. They did a short video about this quilt, available on YouTube. Detailed pics below. Completed June 2019, 72″ x 72″. Private Collection.
A few details
Gatherings – In 2013, I was thrilled when Darcy and Doug Orr commissioned me to create a quilt for the Swannanoa Gathering, a series of music workshops held each summer on the campus of Warren Wilson College. The quilt is displayed during concerts and other events during this wonderful event that we have been a part of for so many years. It was a huge hit last summer at the Gathering, and I’m amazed/honored/thrilled/humbled to say it won First Place in Special Techniques at the 2014 Asheville Quilt Show, as well as the more prestigious Viewer’s Choice. Property of Warren Wilson College.
Swannanoa String Band, 1895 – In 2013, The Black Mountain Center for the Arts hosted a solo show of my work, in conjunction with the Swannanoa Valley Museum‘s seasonal opening. SVM’s lead exhibit was ‘Music in the Valley’ and was based on this wonderful vintage photograph:
Historic Map of the Swannanoa Valley ~ I worked on this for a year, and gave it to the Swannanoa Valley Museum in 2010. It shows the settlements, communities, and transportation routes in the valley from the 18th century to present. Topographic lines are accurately represented in quilting. About 5 by 6 feet. Property of the Swannanoa Valley Museum.
A few details:
Presentation to Swannanoa Valley Museum, April 10, 2010