Not Your Grandmothers Quilt Show

The new installation at the Arts Alliance Gallery, 716 Main Street, Elk River, opening July 9, is a fascinating collection of wall quilts and quilted wearables by several local artists. Whether a quilt tells a story, or is simply a beautiful piece of art to display or wear, quilting is an art that is as alive today as it was in years past. Quilters still use hand-stitching methods as well as machines, and incorporate a variety of materials and techniques to create these truly remarkable pieces of art.

Included in this exciting new installation will be works of twelve artists: Theresa Bemis, Yvonne Curan, Nicole Hahn, Janet Harvey, Winnie Johnson, Jean Judd, Linda Poisson, Nancy Rainbolt, Bette Slag, Loretta Stacy, Cindy Wilson and Judy Wood.

A reception to meet the artists will be held July 16, from 5 to 9 p:m at the Alliance Gallery, and an informal fashion show, with the artists modeling their own pieced and quilted garments, will be held at 6 p:m during the reception.

Anne's 60-minute performance, featuring a special quilt she made in the memory of her grandmother, Marjorie Peterson, has captivated audiences throughout the United States at museums, schools, libraries and churches. The quilt tells the story of the "orphan trains" that transported children from New York and other over-populated areas to the Midwest to find new homes. These children, one of whom was Ann's grandmother Marjorie, were usually orphaned or abandoned, but others were simply put on the trains by parents hoping to send them off to a better life. In addition to piecing the quilt, Ann has written a book, They Named Me Marjorie, telling this poignant story, which will be available for sale. A book-signing and reception will follow Ann's presentation.

A quilting class with Ann Zemke will also be available at the Alliance Gallery on July 30 from 1 to 4 p:m for beginners as well as quilting enthusiasts. In addtion, a class on the creation of a quilted Great Big Bag, as seen on Ann's website (www.crocuslanequilts.com), will be given on September 23 from 9 a:m to 2 p:m at the gallery.

Please join us for these unique events, as well as viewing the quilting art, beginning July 9 through August 29, at the gallery. All information on materials and class fees is available at the Arts Alliance Gallery, (763) 441-4725.evening with quilting specialist Ann Zemke will be on Thursday, July 30, beginning at 6 p:m.