‘Waypoint’ Opens at Quilt House

"Bud" is one of three Maya Chaimovich quilts recently acquired by the International Quilt Study Center & Museum. It is now showing at the museum in "Waypoint: Quilts by Maya Chaimovich."
"Bud" is one of three Maya Chaimovich quilts recently acquired by the International Quilt Study Center & Museum. It is now showing at the museum in "Waypoint: Quilts by Maya Chaimovich."

Israeli artist Maya Chaimovich will make her debut at the International Quilt Study Center & Museum with a new exhibition, “Waypoint: Quilts by Maya Chaimovich,” opening on May 10.

“We are thrilled to showcase these pieces as we establish ourselves as international collectors,” said Leslie Levy, Ardis & Robert James Executive Director of Quilt House. “Art quilts are expanding throughout the world, and it is important to recognize that movement. These striking quilts show a side of quilting and artistry that we are excited to highlight at Quilt House.”

Chaimovich’s work uses various materials, including lace, velvet, silk and synthetic fabrics primarily pulled from used recycled clothing. She creates her work focused on a main theme and group of colors, which guides her in creating her pieces.

Born in Israel in Kubbutz Yad-Mordechai, Chaimovich grew up in Holon and later lived in Kibbutz Zikim and Rama-Gan, where she currently resides. She began quilting in 1995, first making traditional quilts, but later became drawn to the abstract style of art quilting. Her work has shown around the world and appeared in numerous catalogues and books, including her own, “Simply Creative Quilts.” She has won certificates of recognition in England, Israel, Japan and Switzerland.

“Through the art quilt, which became the main focus of my life, I learn to express my feelings and tell about my experiences,” Chaimovich wrote in her artist statement. “An important part of my design experiences is the use of materials from clothes worn by people I don't know. I give them a life of their own and design my own creation. In that way the art quilt becomes a language for me through which I tell my personal story.”

This year, the museum also acquired three of Chaimovich’s works, including “Bud,” “To be Free” and “Train of Thought,” which will be featured in the exhibition. These pieces are the first from Israel in the museum’s expanding international and art quilt collection.

“We were blown away by the unique way she creates her quilts,” said Carolyn Ducey, curator of collections. “There’s something about her quilts that draws you into them. It is important and exciting to add this artist to our collection.”

“Waypoint: Quilts by Maya Chaimovich,” will run through Aug. 7, in the Pumphrey Family Gallery.

Visit http://www.quiltstudy.org for more information about this and other IQSCM exhibitions and to plan your experience.

This exhibition was made possible through funding from the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported this exhibition through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Visit http://www.nebraskaartscouncil.org for more information. Additional support was provided by Moda, FRIENDS of the International Quilt Study Center & Museum and Aurifil.

More details at: http://www.quiltstudy.org