Creative Life Sampler

 Yes, Colorado has wonderful natural attractions, but we decided to postpone that area of exploration in order to take in something I had read about recently in some art history books.  It was a quick trip from Fort Collins down to Denver where we would catch the flight back to CA. Denver also happens to be the home of one of a handful of single-artist museums in the US: the Clyfford Still Museum. Lately I have been doing a lot of reading on modern art history and have been captivated by the Abstract Expressionists, particularly the "Color Field" artists. This is partly a revisiting of my art student roots, as I am increasingly called upon to verbalize my own artistic sensibilities, and the motivations behind my current creations in artist's statements and other written word.  Believe me, nothing surprises me more than this new appreciation of the abstract. (As an art student, I was firmly grounded in the figurative, realistic camp.) Perhaps the medium of fabric and the t...

 As I expand my horizons and look for new opportunities to submit my work for shows, I've come to the conclusion that this might also be a great way to choose travel destinations, at least whenever feasible. Opening night at the Gallery, Lincoln Center Fort Collins Colorado My husband I had never been to Colorado together so, when Midnight & Noon was juried in to the 42nd New Legacies: Contemporary Art Quilts show, we decided to take a trip. We headed to Fort Collins first, home of Colorado State University and the Lincoln Center where the show is staged. Perhaps we should have been prepared for the vibrancy of this college town, but we were struck by how "art friendly" the city is!  Happened to stumble on a live concert in the Old Town Square: Shakespeare outside the Carnegie Center for Creativity: There was painting everywhere.  It's a community brimming with color and creativity.   This double sided installation entitled "Sustainable Gardens"  by Lisa...

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!!!!

  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...

They were expecting the Modern Quilt Guild in North Carolina. This greeted us at the Raleigh airport!  What a great way to build excitement!! And here's the view from our hotel room Thursday morning.  Way before the doors opened to the show, quilters were lined up for early classes. First views of the convention center floor.  The left side showcased the quilt show, the right side the vendors. Coming down the escalator, we were able to spot my quilt, Midnight & Noon in the front circle.  At the award ceremony Wednesday evening I learned it had been given the Best Hand Quilting award, sponsored by Wonderfil Specialty Threads. It was such a joy to see people get close to my quilt to really take in the textures and the stitch work. I had so many wonderful conversations with people who were curious and engaged. Having this kind of interaction between creator and audience is a special experience at a large show. That it happens pretty regularly at QuiltCon is unique t...

  The first weekend in November was the opening of the annual Quilts=Art=Quilts show at the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn, New York.  Q=A=Q Opening Night The show includes seventy quilts created by fifty three artists from around the world, including  Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Hungary, Kuwait, Switzerland, and the US. This is the second year that I've been honored to be juried into Q=A=Q.  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 c...

Interactive color exhibit at Huntsville Museum of Art-  movable  wheels show color combinations  We've gotten into the habit lately of visiting art museums in whatever city we happen to be in, big or small. What we're finding is there are some real gems all over the place! On a recent trip to Huntsville, Alabama we took in Huntsville Museum of Art . It was just the right size to be able to fit in a visit between other scheduled activities. There were a couple of things that stood out to me. First, with this size museum, they have the advantage of being able to present their collection in easily digestible portions. In other words, the displays are not overwhelming because many pieces are grouped in smaller settings. This conveys a sense of intimacy with the work.  I actually enjoy that kind of staging because it creates a feeling of adventure as well. You instinctively know you're going to be presented with a different art movement, theme, or medium as you move throu...