Quilts are the magic carpets of the modern world. These creations of color and fabric can take you on flights of fancy, on journeys down memory lane, on trips through the seasons, to places where love abounds and creativity knows no end.
Consider, for example, a few of the titles of quilts in this year's Springville Quilt Show: "Mid-Winter Night's Dream," "Victoria's Garden," "Freaky Friends," "Absurdly Audacious Aardvark Art," "What America Means To Me," "For the Love of Cats," "Mexican Stars," "Grandpa's Farm," "Rock Ribbons," "Peace Maples Along the Tomoe River," "Awakened Dragon," "Some Finer Points of the Civil War," "Luna Moths," "Stars Upon Thars," "Autumn Lane."
The names alone conjure up visions of imagination and excitement — and the quilts themselves deliver on that promise.
"With 106 quilts, this is the biggest show we've ever had," says Jessica Weiss, assistant curator at the museum.
And, says Francine Berrett, co-chairman of the exhibit and a member of the Utah Valley Quilt Guild, "from the comments we've already received, I'd say it's one of our nicest shows."
This is the 32nd annual quilt show at the museum. "It's always one of our most popular shows every year," says Weiss. The juried show is "not your general, run-of-the-mill quilt show," adds Berrett. "It's more of an art show."
The quilts in the show are more wall hangings than bed quilts, says Weiss. "This is a form-over-function show. As an art historian, I'm always amazed at what incredible works of art they are."
Quilts in the show have come from all over the state, and even beyond, and offer a wide variety of techniques and methods — from all hand-pieced and hand-sewn to machine quilted; to quilts employing specialized techniques such as trapunto, ruching, McTavish stitching and embroidery; to quilts made of hand-dyed and hand-woven fabric, and more. There are quilts of original design, quilts from patterns, quilts inspired by art works, quilts made in classes.
It's a nice way to see state-of-the-art quilting in the state, says Cody Mazuran, one of this year's judges. "Quilting is as big and important today as ever — even more so. This is a great way to display the artistic capabilities of mostly women, although we're getting a few more men."
"I've seen exquisite work," adds Kathy Middlebrook, another judge, and one who comes to the task with more of an art than a fabric background. "There's great use of color and design. Rich, warm colors. A lot of very strong pieces."
Roma Lambson, another judge, notes that of all the quilt shows in Utah, "this is my favorite. I love the variety. I love the work involved on each and every one of these quilts."
If there is a trend the judges have noticed it is the increase in machine-quilted pieces. "I personally would like to see more hand-quilting," says Lambson.
Mazuran also very much appreciates fine hand-quilting. But, she admits, "to master either technique requires time, skill and persistence." Machine quilting, whether it's with the push-through techniques of home quilters or done by the long-arm commercial machines, is not necessarily any easier, just different. "Good work is good work in either case," she says. "The viewing audience will be well-paid to see what's here. It's really a well-done show, and the quilts are as good as they've ever been."
In connection with the show, which runs through Sept. 4, the museum's Community and Family Night will focus on quilting.
The free event will be Monday, Aug. 1, from 6-8 p.m. Quilter Shannon Caywood will demonstrate the art of quilting. Entertainment will be provided by local cowboy poet Colen Sweeten Jr. A children's art project will involve quilting. And several quilts will be on hand to be finished and donated to a charity.
Also, a quilt is on display in the show has been purchased by the museum. For a donation of $2 ($5 for three tickets), museum patrons get a chance to take home the hand-appliqued quilt, which was made by Berrett.
Quilt show attendees will also be invited to vote for their favorite quilt. Will it be "Strawberry Patch," "Around the Block on Safari," "Scrappy Butterflies," "Many Days of Sunbonnet Sue," "Flying in Circles," "Cut Flowers," "Too Many T-Shirts," "Gramp's Saw Blades," "Queen's Garden"? Or, one of the many other quilts that can take you on a magic carpet ride at this colorful and exciting show?
If you go
What: 32nd Annual Quilt Show
Where: Springville Museum of Art, 126 E. 400 South, Springville
When: Through Sept. 4; museum hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 3-6 p.m.
How much: Free
Phone: 801-489-2727
Web: www.sma.nebo.edu
E-mail: carma@desnews.com