Q=A=Q 2025 Opening
The first weekend in November was the opening of the annual Quilts=Art=Quilts show at the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn, New York.
It requires a bit of effort to get to upstate New York on opening night; there are no direct flights from our location. So I'm doubly grateful for the support of family who joined me to take in the experience.
This is very different from a large quilt convention. While you can get up close to the work at any kind of quilt show, the more intimate setting of a gallery brings a unique perspective. The environment elevates a quilt to the status of art.
I love that there are so many ways to present my work. I know this is a relatively new phenomenon and it reflects changing attitudes about quilting as an art form.
Years ago, I joined an organization that had a form to fill out so they could see your interests and where you might be able to contribute your time and energy. One of the things I wrote under skills or talents was "quilting." I remember someone calling to ask if I would take a certain position. She actually chuckled as she went through my form and commented that I was a quilter. It was as if she said "Why would anyone think that was significant enough to include in the questionnaire?" I wondered at the time if she would have taken "painting" or any other art form so lightly.
Don't get me wrong, that brief, early encounter wasn't really momentous. It was just enough to make a mental note, but it wasn't important enough to make me question my choice of craft or even motivate me to try to change people's views. I simply continued to work on something I really enjoy, building skills and creating.
Let's be honest, it's not a new challenge,- getting people to take one's work seriously. Quilting has a particular history of being underappreciated. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is that most quilters were historically women and the product they were creating was meant for use in the home. There's a lot "stuff" to unpack when it comes to art vs. craft, women in the arts, and so much more.
Shows like Q=A=Q represent a shift in how quilts are perceived. It feels like progress. That's why I'm heartened by the expanded opportunities for every quilter to exhibit their creations.
I'm also especially appreciative of people like this year's Q=A=Q judges Dorothy Caldwell and Michael James who shared their time, expertise, and love of quilts to curate the show.
Q=A=Q 2025 is rich with inspiration, so be sure to drop by if you're in the Auburn area. It runs through January 5, 2025.
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