Creative Life Sampler

We had a new adventure recently when we went to see Midnight & Noon on display in the 42nd New Legacies: Contemporary Art Quilts at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins Colorado .  This is the third show that has accepted my quilt. Each time I get to see it displayed, I am impressed with how the curators have given it space to be seen from both sides. In this case it is featured in the front window of the gallery! The really cool thing about this venue is that it is located in the lobby of a performing arts center. Not only is it open to the public during the week, but people will be able to see the show during performances at the Lincoln Center.  Lincoln Center lobby Since the mission of New Legacies is to feature innovation and "material exploration" by artists working in textile art, this is an opportunity to expand the public's concept of the modern quilt.  It's an honor to be included with so many creative artists in this special exhibit. Under the auspices of...

Before moving on to other topics, I want to share some candid shots. There were lots of examples of creativity in public spaces. Always a joy to find these gifts on a journey.  In the airport at LAX: At the Raleigh Convention Center, inside: and outside: The Raleigh airport and the return trip:   Once you're in the right frame of mind, your surroundings become a banquet of visual inspiration! Happy creating all!!!!

  Hanging Sculpture at the Raleigh Convention Center Since the close of QuiltCon 2026, I’ve been tuning in to the flurry of responses and reactions on social media to the "statement quilts" in the show. There were quite a few this year and there have been some very effective reels that lift up their messages in unique ways. These mini films have been well constructed and effective. There has also been some push back questioning the suitability of what amounts to social commentary in the realm of the quilt show and calling out the Modern Quilt Guild for giving creators the platform to share their ideas. This has given rise to some really thoughtful and cogent responses from quilt content creators in support of the voices that were showcased and QuiltCon. The arguments in support of the modern quilt movement have been so well done, by stronger voices than mine, that their points don’t need to be rehashed here. But I would like to add my response to the whole unfoldment of t...

I was once involved with a group which included an individual that didn’t say much. It was obvious that they were engaged and very aware of what was going on, but they were quiet, unassuming, and thoughtful. The thing that impressed me most about this person was that, when they chose to speak, the conversation stopped short and everyone gave space for them to share. I’ve often thought of this individual when feeling pressure to join in on a conversation. When circumstances call for it, I’ve tried to emulate this unhurried, measured approach in order to think things through; choosing words and phrases judiciously for clarity in presenting my perspective. Ten years ago, those words didn’t include expletives or profanity. That was a conscious choice. But a lot has happened in the world and our country since then. There are times when stringing words together don't seem as effective at expressing the emotions of the moment as a single word.  As I was walking through a row at QuiltC...

  I have two vignettes to share that show how the creator can connect with the viewer. One shows the value of a really descriptive title, the other is an example of an effective artist's statement that draws the viewer in so they linger in front of the quilt. I was walking through the Hand Work category at QuiltCon 2026 and I came across this little gem by  Eleanor Kagan. Simple shapes. Very graphic. Saturated color.  What’s it about? Somebody came up beside me. We shifted positions so she could take a closer look at the quilt and I could read the artist’s statement. As soon as I read the title, I laughed out loud and my viewing partner came over for a closer look. We looked at each other and shared a good giggle. This was conspicuous enough for a third person to come up beside us, take in the title, and rush to bring over a friend to enjoy the moment. Well done, Eleanor! We connected with your work, then we connected with each other, and I think we all felt a connect...

I can't emphasize enough how important human connection is to the experience of attending QuiltCon. Whether you are standing in line for an event, hanging out at your own quilt, or lingering in front of a quilt you really like, it is so easy to strike up a conversation. People are joyful to be there and pleased to be with other quilters. There is an instant connection because you already know you have quilting in common.  After all, it is a celebration of quilts. Running into a ribbon winner, it is natural to lift them up for their accomplishment. This year when I came across Heidi Parkes in front of her prize winning quilt, I put aside my usual reticence to congratulate her. As we spoke, I was reminded of my first encounter with her work.  Back in 2021, I was doing a lot of hand appliqu é  and hand quilting, but I hadn’t been in the modern guild very long. Sometimes it felt like I was fumbling along, trying to figure out what made modern quilts different. That spring Hei...