Grosse Pointe Shores

International artists add flair to domestic art of quilting

By K. Michelle Moran
C & G Staff Writer

» Click on image to view full size « Photo courtesy of Edsel and Eleanor Ford House Quilt artist Bethan Ash explores issues of food and obesity in her quilt, one of many in the exhibit that makes a social statement. Photo courtesy of Edsel and Eleanor Ford House Quilt artist Bethan Ash explores issues of food and obesity in her quilt, one of many in the exhibit that makes a social statement.

Artists from around the world are demonstrating that quilts aren’t just for warmth and bed coverings.

“Quilt Art: International Expressions,” which runs through March 25 at the Ford House, features about 33 quilts by 22 artists from nine countries who belong to the European Quilt Art guild. This marks the first time they’ve exhibited in the United States, and the Ford House stop is the only one in Michigan for this tour. There’s also a film with footage from an exhibition of different Quilt Art guild member works in Germany, sent by Mirjam Pet-Jacobs, one of the artists in the show.

Chris Shires, director of interpretation and programs at Ford House, said these artists are attuned to and respectful of the history and tradition of quilting, and are also trying to elevate the form to a new level.

“They see their work as the next step in that tradition,” he said.

The artists are using conventional quilting techniques in unique ways. Ford House curator Josephine Shea said some of the artists use antique linen or secondhand materials to explore history, while others incorporate more modern technology, from photo transfers to, in one case, plastic sheets and correction fluid. Still other artists “rust” their cotton, creating rust that can be used to dye the fabric, Shea explained.

“They’re very contemporary quilts, but many of the artists draw on historical connections,” Shires said.

Visitors who want to learn more about various materials and techniques can browse through books — some by artists in the exhibit — on a table. Some of these books are also available for purchase in the Ford House gift shop.

“We are hoping (visitors) will both see the creativity and the inspirations (behind the quilts) and maybe get their own inspirations (to create),” Shea said.

This is the Ford House’s second quilt exhibit, following one two years ago that featured work by two artists.

Although some are abstract, other quilts in this display tackle issues ranging from war to traditional women’s duties, such as laundry. Several of the artists draw their inspiration from landscapes and other elements in nature.

“We’re hoping that people will look at them really closely and read what the artists have to say and think about (the pieces),” Shea said.

As is typical with any fine art, visitors can’t touch these works. However, Shea said they’ll provide a few “touch stations” where visitors can handle different types of fabric, such as silk, wool and hemp.

The nonprofit Arts and Scraps has assembled plastic bags filled with small bits of fabric for youngsters to take home and create their own quilt. Ford House officials hope families will send them photos of these creations, so they can share the images online. There’s also a station in the exhibit where children can put together quilts with provided fabric.

In conjunction with the exhibit, organizers have scheduled several related programs by local quilt artists. Desiree Vaughn will lead the lecture, “Artful Fabrics and Artful Quilts,” at 11 a.m. Feb. 4, as well as “Introduction to Painting on Fabric Workshop,” from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 4. Michelle Mitchell will discuss “Tea & Textile: Quilted Clothing,” which includes a trunk show, from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 13. Kempf Hogan will share his collection of contemporary and folk textiles, including a look at African-American story quilts, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 1. Children can learn to make their own quilt in a class by Laura Rodin from 10 a.m.-noon March 10. Artists Judi Warren Blaydon and Carole Harris will each lead their own talks and wine receptions during programs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 19 and March 22, respectively. Admission to the exhibit is free — it’s located in the Activities Center — but there are fees for the talks and classes, and registration is required for those.

The Ford House is located at 1100 Lake Shore, between Vernier and Nine Mile roads. For more information, visit www.fordhouse.org or call (313) 884-4222.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at kmoran@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1047.