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©1991 Jane Burch Cochran |
This exhibition also represents the crossing of physical boundaries by Art Quilt Network members who come together from various parts of the United States and Canada to inspire and promote creativity in a supportive atmosphere. The contemporary art quilt has evolved within a time frame of little more than twenty years through the efforts of like-minded individuals who banded together to support one another.
Art quilt exhibitions appeal to a diverse audience. Some of this popularity may be explained by the fact that traditional quilts are a familiar part of the American past. Many can recall a mother, aunt, or family friend who made quilts. Such humble and homey roots lend an air of accessibility to the art quilt. This history with traditional quilts provides viewers with a jumping-off point into the world of the contemporary art quilt.
Internationally known quilt artist Nancy Crow founded the Art Quilt Network in 1986. As she traveled throughout the United States teaching and lecturing, she encountered other quiltmakers who were caught up in the excitement of the budding Art Quilt Movement. From this small core of artists, the Art Quilt Network has grown to sixty highly creative members who meet twice a year in Columbus, Ohio, for a three day retreat. The purpose of these gatherings is to provide a supportive environment where new art work, ideas, and information are shared. In this atmosphere, each artist's personal vision is affirmed thus contributing to a wide range of styles and subject matter. Originality is prized. No one style is dominant.
Members of the Art Quilt Network are serious artists who are committed to using the quilt form as a vehicle for their visual ideas. Since membership is limited to sixty, it is necessary for aspiring members to wait about two years before an opening becomes available. Once a member is accepted, he or she must attend at least two out of every four of the Network's semi-annual retreats.
Network members have been invited to lecture on the contemporary art quilt in Australia, the Czech Republic, France and Switzerland. For these lecture tours, "suitcase exhibits" of small quilts were assembled and installed in galleries at colleges, universities and art centers on the tour. These small quilts are miniature interpretations of the wide range of signature styles expressed in each member's larger quilts.
While all members of the Network share the passion, anxiety and challenge of quiltmaking, some have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Art Quilt Movement. Nancy Crow has promoted the art quilt in ways too numerous to include here. Most notably, however, she and Linda Fowler founded the Quilt Surface Design Symposium in 1990. For two weeks every summer quiltmakers come from all over the world to Columbus, Ohio, where classes are offered in all aspects of quilting.
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©1993 Susan Shie & James Acord |
Many members of the Art Quilt Network come from a fine arts background. Their quilts deal with the same issues, themes and design concerns explored by artists in other media. In recent years, several members have been honored for the quality of their work. One member was awarded a Ford Foundation Grant, and four members have received National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships. Numerous members have also been recipients of state and local arts council grants, and all of the members have strong exhibition records.
The quilts in CROSSING BOUNDARIES reflect the personal vision of each artist. It is important to understand that movements, whether they be social, political or artistic, are started by ordinary people who come together for a common purpose. This Art Quilt Network Exhibition presents a small but positive example of the high standards and diversity of work which can grow out of a group that nurtures and supports its members.
