Quilt exhibition points to early political activism by women

"Partisan Pieces: Quilts of Patriotic and Political Persuasion," an exhibition of quilts with political and patriotic themes, will be on view at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Robert Hillestad Textile Gallery June 3-Aug. 31.

The exhibition includes approximately 17 quilts from the International Quilt Study Center's Ardis and Robert James Collection, and explores the impact of war, politics and political candidates on 19th- and early 20th-century American women's quilting designs. There will be a variety of examples of the "Whig Rose" pattern, also known as the "Democrat Rose." These red and green applique quilts are outstanding examples of technical skill and early innovative design put to a partisan purpose. Patriotic quilts using stars, flags, federal eagles, campaign ribbons and kerchiefs will round out the display.

All the quilts in this exhibition are visual reminders of a time when women had no public forum. Against all odds, these quilts survive to give us evocative insights into the ways American women expressed political and patriotic sentiments during an era when they could not vote.

Special events associated with this exhibition will include:

* June 9, 5:30 p.m. -- Lecture by G. Julie Powell, connoisseur, certified appraiser and author on patriotic textiles and quilts.

* June 22, 1 p.m. -- Curator-led gallery talk by Kathy Moore.

* July 16, 10 a.m.-4: p.m. -- Quilt Identification Day. Members of the public are invited to bring their family quilts where International Quilt Study Center staff and volunteers will examine them and offer information about their patterns, fabrics, and styles. For each quilt, a quilt history form will be filled out and a documentation label attached. Please call Sharon at (402) 472-6549 if you plan to attend. (There is a two-quilt limit for each person.)

The Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery is on the second floor of the Home Economics Building, northeast of 35th and Holdrege streets on UNL's East Campus. The "Partisan Pieces" exhibit and events associated with it are free and open to the public. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Docent-led tours and gallery talks will be provided for groups by appointment throughout the summer. Call (402) 472-6301 to schedule a tour.

Support for this exhibition comes from the Nebraska Humanities Council; the Lincoln Quilter's Guild; and the Textiles, Clothing and Design Department in the UNL College of Education and Human Sciences.

CONTACT: Carolyn Ducey, Curator, International Quilt Study Center, (402) 472-6301