Travel Log- Spring 2018 (2) (1 of 5)
My Virginia trip happened to coincide with the 55th Annual
Woodlawn Needlework Show. This show is held on the historic property of
Woodlawn, which is the portion of Mount Vernon that George Washington gave to
his nephew and step-granddaughter, Lawrence & Eleanor Lewis. (2,000 acres- nice
gift, right?) Stop there. Yes, that means Martha Washington was widowed, with
children, when she married George. Did not absorb that in history class, but it
turns out Martha was a pretty remarkable woman of her time.
The Show is described as the oldest needlework show in the US and includes submissions in cross stitch, embroidery, beadwork, smocking and more, with divisions for seniors, adults, and juniors, (ages 10-13). Everything must be completely done by hand. I had a general idea of what to expect, but I had the perspective of one who improvises to make simple labels for my quilt backs.
Anticipating that there might be work I would want to
remember, I asked about the photo policy when we bought our tickets. In this
setting, the viewer has the opportunity to get pretty close to the work, so it
would be tempting for any serious needle worker to want to capture the details
on display. Out of courtesy for the artists, they asked that any photos be done
from a distance. Fair enough.
It turns out that this policy was a wise
provision for the viewer. Beyond its protection of the work, it was a gentle nudge
to take in and to appreciate one’s surroundings, to think about where you were
and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic site. It was an instruction on how to
view the whole show.
Footnote: For you history buffs here are some quick facts about the first First Lady of America: http://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/martha-washington/ten-facts-about-martha-washington/)
and a bit of information on this historic site: www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org
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