The public is invited to view the exhibition “Dancing Threads” featuring contemporary quilts by local artists from now through October 23 at the Porterville College Art Gallery. The public is also invited to the reception from 5-7pm on Thursday, October 1.
These artists will be showing, through often non-traditional materials and methods, quilts that express their exploration and love for the quilting medium.
“I love fabric and have many more projects than time,” artist Gail Cosart said.
Cosart said she had an early interest in sewing and quilting, receiving her first sewing machine when she was just two years old. At the age of six she began making her own outfits, and forayed into quilting when she was home with her first child, 25 years ago.
“When my kids got busy with activities the sewing and quilting got put aside to keep up with them and work,” Cosart said. “I dusted my sewing machine off when my youngest son graduated high school and ventured into art quilting.”
Artist Sue Rowell loves the intricacy and development that does into each piece.
“The fun of quilting is trying different styles and techniques,” Rowell said. “For me, quilting is a constant challenge and learning experience. I love the planning stages of linen quilting: finding the linen, deciding on the design, looking for the right fabric for the underlayment, and stitching the design. This applies to all my quilting; I love the planning almost more than the actual quilting,” she continued. “It is exciting to go through all of those stages to reach the final result.”
Rowell said she loves a variety of quilting styles, but her passion is linen quilts. The numerous artists in this group exhibition display a broad range of subjects and a wide variety of approaches to the quilting medium.
Gallery hours are from 12-2 pm and 4-6 pm, Monday through Thursday. Parking is unrestricted during the time of the reception. For other times, contact the front desk when you arrive to visit the show for a free temporary parking permit.
The Porterville College Art Gallery is located on campus at 100 E. College Ave. For more information, contact Jim Entz, 791-2257.