Rave reviews for quilt exhibit
The June Exhibit, “2017 Art Quilts Extraordinaire Exhibit,” displayed at the Kenai Fine Art Center in Old Town Kenai has brought rave reviews from many who have beheld it. Color and energy embrace everyone who enters the gallery. The variety of technique and style draws viewers in, prompting them to wonder how and/or why did the artist do that? Ideas are artfully conveyed, ranging from whimsy to topical concerns.
Originally, quilting developed to simply keep people warm when fabric scraps were more available than wool. Art quilts are derivative of the traditional bed quilt but are generally smaller and displayed primarily as wall hangings. As art often does, this art quilt exhibit not only delights but challenges us.
In its sixth year, the exhibit took on a new dimension by featuring two local judges to consider the art displayed and applaud the pieces that had significant appeal to them. Celia Carl Anderson and Pat Reese, both integral to the local fiber art scene, assessed each quilt with creative, expressive and technical qualities in mind. In the end, they agreed to honor Gail Ramsay’s “Sky Bridges” with the Best of Show Award. Jan Wallace’s “Peaches and Cream, a Triptych” was awarded 2nd Place and Laurie Marta’s “Untitled,” 3rd Place.
We congratulate each of of our awardees plus everyone else who submitted their art because it often takes a bit of courage for artists to exhibit their own work. Art exhibits are learning experiences for artists, judged ones in particular, as well as opportunities for sharing creative talents with friends, families and the community at large.
Until next year, we thank all the participating artists, drawn not only from the Peninsula but also Anchorage and Wasilla in this ever-growing event. Thanks to Peninsula Art Guild for the effort that went into hosting this art quilt exhibit. And thanks to our very insightful community who supports its artists and neighbors with the Kenai Fine Art Center.
Sincerely,
Jan Wallace, Marilyn Kay Johnson and Connie Tarbox
2017 AQE Coordinators,