A much-needed quilt exhibition: Beyond the Bed Covers

Along the same vein as my post from earlier in the year, "Why Make Political Quilts," quilter and artist Laura Petrovich-Cheney has curated an exhibition at the A.I.R. Gallery in Brooklyn, NY to examine how quilts can (and are) used in unique ways (hence "Beyond the Bed Covers").

From the website:
 "Beyond the Bed Covers examines how quilts and quilting have evolved beyond their cozy functionality, to be an expressive art form constructed of a variety of materials practiced by all gender forms. Included in this exhibition are artists whose quilts push the boundaries of materiality, personal expression and political statements."


I was absolutely thrilled and honored to play a small part with my quilt, "Hear Our Voice." I made this quilt in a week and proudly displayed it as a banner at the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 (and wrote all about the experience of making and marching right here). Laura held a VIP showing of the exhibition this past weekend, so I was able to visit and see all of the quilts together. Go if you can!

The most exciting part was seeing Faith Ringgold's work in person (yes, THE LEGEND). Her story quilts were a wonder to behold. I especially connected with her weight loss quilt and written story.

 My name on a wall with so many talented artists, and after Faith Ringgold, no less... pinch me! 

I always love seeing Laura's work in person as well; she creates quilts out of reclaimed wood. Below is one from the show, which is open until November 12.

And I got a picture with the lady of the hour! She's a talented and caring woman I'm proud to be friends with. 

Behind us are pictures of the AIDS quilt in Washington, D.C. While making my quilt, I wasn't considering the implications of adding a quilt to the vast history of political quilts, so it was quite humbling to see my quilt next to these photos (related: if you'd like to read more about the AIDS quilt, I wrote about my day volunteering with the project right here).

Finally, my lovely photographer and theater friend Julie came with me to see the exhibition. We had to get a photo together. :) I'm still deciding what I'd like to do with this special quilt/protest banner, but I'm really glad to be showing it in public once more.

Outtakes: NYC Inspiration

While I live within two hours from New York City, I don't get to go there too often (though this year was much more than normal). Julie and I saw a hysterical off-Broadway show (Puffs - for all you hardcore Harry Potter fans!) and walked the Brooklyn Bridge. Inspiration was everywhere!

  The gray building with the square squiggles caught my eye immediately. Free motion quilting much?

 

 Gorgeous (almost) sunset over New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. The colors!

 

 Dizzying and angular Brooklyn Bridge architecture - so many modern quilt designs.

 Changing colors on the wall of PABT (Port Authority Bus Terminal)