Visitors will be able to shop from local artisans and tour stunning exhibitions Nov. 16-17 during Friends of the International Quilt Study Center & Museum’s Fifth Annual Art Market.
“The works displayed and available for purchase at Art Market are unique and one of a kind,” said Marilyn McGahan, a Friends board member. “The array of talent shown by the artisans sparks appreciation of their work and gratitude for their willingness to share their talents. I always find unique gifts for special friends.”
Featuring crafts and products created by 19 Nebraska and regional makers and artisans, works include baskets, jewelry, ceramics, paintings, wood items, fiber arts and more. The Art Market is the Friends organization’s largest fundraiser to benefit the museum. Merchants give 40 percent of sales to the museum and a Friends’ sponsored table will donate 100 percent of its sales to the organization.
Exhibitions on display during Art Market include “Cheddar Quilts from the Joanna S. Rose Collection,” “Discovering the Collection: A 20-Year Journey” and “The Mark Dunn Collection.”
“Cheddar Quilts from the Joanna S. Rose” showcases 19th century quilts featuring what today’s scholars call “cheddar” quilts. These textiles are made from a distinctive color produced with chrome orange, a mineral dye. Introduced as a pigment in 1809, chrome orange grew in popularity in the 1820s.
Rose, the New York-based collector, is known for her collection of more than 650 red and white quilts, which appeared in the 2011 exhibition “Red and White Quilts: Infinite Variety” at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. Her large collection of antique American yellow-orange quilts are lesser known.
Calling herself a treasure hunter rather than collector, Rose began buying quilts in the 1950s. She was drawn to bright orange quilts initially as décor for her family’s Thanksgiving celebrations.
Though little is known about most of the quilts in Rose’s collection, cheddar quilts were traditionally made in the 19th Century in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Virginia, particularly in communities with large German backgrounds. The orange was paired with reds, blues and greens, other colors often found in German folk art of the time.
Carolyn Ducey draws from her 20-year career as the museum’s curator of collections to highlight some of her favorite pieces in “Discovering the Collection: A 20-Year Journey.” Featuring antique American, international and studio art quilts, the exhibition offers a snapshot of her experience working alongside scholars, collectors and volunteers to build the world’s largest publicly held quilt collection.
“The Mark Dunn Collection” draws from the private collection of the president and owner of Moda Fabrics.
Dunn has become an avid collector of antique and art quilts, and his eclectic collecting habits provide him with a way to invest in today's artists and quiltmakers. Dunn is committed to preserving the heritage and future of the textile industry.
The Art Market’s hours will run from 1-7 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 17. The museum is located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus at 33rd and Holdrege streets. Admission to the museum and its galleries will be free during the event.
"The Art Market has taken its place in Lincoln as the premier art sale for quality items at affordable prices," said Janee Dlugosh, a Friends board member. "There is something for everyone’s taste. You will find unique treasures you will not be able to live without."
For more information about tours, exhibitions and other events at the International Quilt Study Center & Museum, visit http://www.quiltstudy.org.
More details at: http://www.quiltstudy.org?utm_campaign=UNL_ENews&utm_medium=email&utm_source=event&utm_content=Art Market at the Quilt Museum