Many thanks to Caroline Hatton for contributing this report of the quilt exhibition at the Eugene Public Library in Eugene, Oregon. The exhibit ended November 30, 2024, but you can continue to enjoy it in her report.
The exhibition "Not Your Grandma's Quilt," by the Eugene Modern Quilt Guild was recently at the Eugene Public Library, in Eugene, Oregon. Members were given the same set of bright solid color fabrics and created mini-quilts showing modern traditionalism, negative space, improvisational techniques, and asymmetry.
When I approached this quilt, I was surprised to see that the quilting pattern is not linear like the color pattern, but a circular, or more exactly, spiral-shape, a distinction I could not detect from afar... until I reviewed this photo.
Zooming in from the interior balcony on the floor above on my favorite quilt of the fifty in the "challenge" part of the exhibition, the stylized sunset over hilly ridges. This reflects the landforms in and around Eugene.
By far this was my favorite quilt in the exhibition (not part of the challenge of using the imposed set of fabrics).
From the library website:
If quilting makes you think of muted hues, predictable patterns and bed coverings, prepare to be surprised by vibrant colors and innovative, geometric designs. The group explores the designs and techniques of modern quilting through creative challenges, hands-on demonstrations, lectures, and single and multi-day retreats.
“Many traditional crafts have gotten modern, and even edgy, makeovers in the past 20 years. And while the techniques may be similar, the aesthetics are completely different. Experienced quilters are exploring modern designs, and a new generation is discovering quilting through modern styles on Instagram and elsewhere. We’re excited to share our passion and see the community’s reaction to this exhibit,” said Jen Bell, president of the Eugene Modern Quilt Guild.
