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| Hope you are expecting an early Spring. I have one daffodil flowering and many more are just poking their leaves up. It's been an unusual winter here in the Arizona desert. It's March 1, 2007, and I saw REAL frost on the grass while walking the dog early this morning. Not what one expects this time of year. Last month I promised I would try to get you news you can really use...here goes... (Remember if I send you to a new site you can get back here by simply clicking the arrow-back button on you browser.) After a lecture I gave in San Jose in January my new friend and driver, Marie Strait., took me to the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles. One of the museum underwriters is the Santa Clara Valley Quilt Association. What a great undertaking this is for the city and especially this guild. There are four gallery spaces and each one was showing something that should be of interest to every quilter: In the Museum Galleries -- January 16 to April 8, 2007 "Outside the Box: Quilts with Character" -- Many traditional quilt are being shown including a first time every viewing of some the the Museum's more whimsical and spirited quilts. Included is a Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt top made by Mary Tayloe Lloyd Key, wife of Frances Scott Key. My favorite, in this collection, is the Streak of Lightening made in the early 20th century, maker unknown. It is a vivid green and multicolored showing of pure energy. "Between the Curtains: Bob Freimark's Czech Romance, 1970-1995" -- Mr. Freimark's tapestries ae expressionistic celebrations of color and movement , created with a unique felting technique that originated in Czechoslovakia. Although mostly abstract pieces of art many have recognizable images who's meaning is further illuminated by titles. These works should be seen by studio quilters who are working with roving and other felting materials in their quilts. "The Etiquette of Form: Fiber Art by Fran Skiles" -- Ms. Skiles expressionistic work is created in the spirit of the quilt, yet is removed from traditional quilt form. Her textile collages of paper and fabric invite you to unravel their mysteries layer by layer. The fourth gallery space was given over to a delightful series of quilts for sale. There was something for everyone the day I was there and several had already been sold. As with many museums there is a small gift shop. Of course I went shopping -- what kind of quilter would I be if I hadn't! I found three hand made, blank, cards made and signed by Therese May. There is no way I can afford one of her quilts...but I plan to have the three cards framed together. It was a GOOD afternoon -- Quilts AND shopping! I'm really impressed that the Santa Clara Valley Quilt Guild is helping to underwrite this Muesum. You deserve a round of APPLAUSE! Onward to PAGE TWO.... Copyright 2007, Nancy Brenan Daniel |
| MARCH, 2007 |