Gail Garber Designs
gail@gailgarber.com
https://gailgarber.com/

Logo: Gail Garber Designs

Gail's Quilting Blog

Artwork by Others

Shades of the Southwest Exhibit – Part Three

What a thrill it was to have the American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek show here in January 2015.  Curating the Shades of the Southwest Exhibit with Donna Barnitz made the show doubly special.  We look forward to their return in January 2017.  Donna and I are looking forward to curating another exhibit for that show.  Stay tuned for details to come.

Enchanted New Mexico, by Afton Warrick, 97" x 97"

Enchanted New Mexico, by Afton Warrick, 97″ x 97″

A local resident, Afton is active in our quilting community, where she is a past president of the New Mexico Quilter’s Association, and now also works for me as my assistant.  She says, “Enchanted New Mexico is a Baltimore Album-style tribute to New Mexico. The Castle Huning fountain, Alvarado Hotel, Sandia Peak tram, St. Francis Cathedral of Santa Fe, UNM’s Hodgin Hall and New Mexican flora are featured in this original design.”

Enchanted New Mexico Detail View

Enchanted New Mexico Detail View

This block from Enchanted New Mexico, tells the tale of the Roswell UFO and alien sighting that has put that city on the map!

Enchanted New Mexico Detail

Enchanted New Mexico Detail  View

New Mexico is home to two National Laboratories, Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories.  The first atomic bomb was exploded at the Trinity Site, in a rural area of central New Mexico.

Beyond the Fence, by Emily Hostetler, 29" x 29"

Beyond the Fence, by Emily Hostetler, 29″ x 29″

Emily Hostetler, Saltillo, TX, says this about her quilt, “The colors of the sunset are so typical of the Southwest.  The shading from one color to the next in the sky and blending depict “shades” of the Southwest.”

The Painted Pony, by Kris Vierra, 48" x 38"

The Painted Pony, by Kris Vierra, 48″ x 38″

Kris Vierra, who hails from Lincoln NE, is renowned for her longarm machine quilting.  She is my partner on many of my recent quilts.  She has this to say about her quilt, “The Indian war horse was highly honored by the Native Americans.  The owners of these “painted ponies” honored and protected their horse by painting tribal symbols on the horse’s body. The circle around his nose and eye wished the horse ken vision and sense of smell.  The thunder stripes were to please the god of war and the handprint indicated he had knocked down an enemy.”

Raven Sunset, by Judith Roderick, 35" x 43"

Raven Sunset, by Judith Roderick, 35″ x 43″

Judith Roderick resides in Placitas, NM, where ravens are common creatures.  Judith is known for her incredible silk painting.  She says this about her quilt, “This quilt depicts seven ravens against a glorious New Mexico sunset.  The richness and variety of the sunset colors came from two separate waxing and dyeing processes of this whole cloth silk quilt.”

Check back for the formal announcement of the Exhibit for the 2017 American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek Show!

 

Add your comment!

Shades of the Southwest Exhibit – Continued

Shades of the Soutwest was a real treat to curate. I got to work with Donna Barnitz, my co-curator, who is full of energy, enthusiasm, and in general a huge pleasure to work with.  Here is the second installment of quilts from this exhibit.

New Mexico's turquoise Trail, by Vicki Conley

New Mexico’s turquoise Trail, by Vicki Conley, 51″ x 51″

Vicki Conley, a Ruidoso Downs resident, created this intriguing quilt that embodies the feeling of our state, the Land of Enchantment.  She says,”A photograph that I took in Northern New Mexico inspired this quilt.  Many traditional adobe houses and buildings throughout New Mexico have window and door frames painted turquoise.  New Mexico is known for brilliant turquoise blue skies.  Originally the “Turquoise Trail” referred to the many mines in New Mexico famous for their beautiful turquoise stones.  Today the Turquoise Trail is a scenic byway that goes from Albuquerque to Santa Fe.”

Chamisa Alegre, by Katie Pasquini, 42" x 47"

Chamisa Alegre, by Katie Pasquini, 42″ x 47″

Katie PM, as she is known to her friends, students, and fans, has captured the magic that is New Mexico and the Southwest during the many years she has lived near Santa Fe.  She says, “This quilt was a direct copy of a painting that I created while at Gateway Canyons Resort in Colorado.”  Katie hosts the annual Alegre Retreat at Gateway Canyons Resort in April each year.

 

Taking a Break, by Lynn B. Welsch, 37" x 25"

Taking a Break II, by Lynn B. Welsch, 37″ x 25″

Lynn B. Welsch calls the community of Mimbres, in southern New Mexico home.  She has this to say about her quilt, “These migrating birds stopped on our driveway in Mimbres to take a rest and I snapped a photo of the group with the Black Range Mountains in the background.  I had fun whimsically interpreting the photo in a quilt to show this beautiful area of New Mexico.”

Nogal Canyon Truck, by Donna Barnitz, 41" x 39"

Nogal Canyon Truck, by Donna Barnitz, 41″ x 39″

My pal, and co-curator, exhibited one of her ‘old truck’ quilts in the exhibit.  She says, “Driving through Nogal Canyon in southern New Mexico, a friend and I were taking the road less traveled when we spied this old truck out in a pasture.  I wondered how many years it had been sitting there with the driver’s door ajar.  I rust dyed and then over-dyed the fabrics for the hood and fenders for a long neglected look.”

Kokopelli's Playground in the Sun, by Mary Chappelle, 40" x 36"

Kokopelli’s Playground in the Sun, by Mary Chappelle, 40″ x 36″

Mary Chappelle, a Corrales resident, created this design and stitched it using freezer paper foundation piecing.  She says, “The sun is an important part of the Southwest.   It creates the shades and shadows on our beautiful mesas.”

Stay tuned for Part Three of this Exhibit.  It promises to be worth the wait.

Add your comment!

Shades of the Southwest – Curated by Donna Barnitz and Gail Garber

One of the most exciting and fun things I got to do this past year was to work with my BFF, Donna Barnitz, to curate an exhibit for the American Quilter’s Society Albuquerque QuiltWeek.  Our theme was “Shades of the Southwest”, which left a lot open to interprentation.  We were so excited to select 31 amazing quilts for the show.  Due to camera issues, I was unable to photograph each and every one, but here is the first installment.

Yucca and the Moth by Shannon Conley Yucca and the Moth, 52" x 59".

Yucca and the Moth by Shannon Conley, 52″ x 59″.

Shannon, who hails from Moore, OK, writes this about her quilt, “This quilt was designed to capture the symbiotic relationship between the yuccas of the high desert, sparkling in the crisp New Mexico sunshine, and the tiny yucca moths that pollinate them.”

Green River Sunset, by Pat Gould

Green River Sunset, by Pat Gould, 51″ x 36″

Pat Gould, an Albuquerque resident, writes this about her quilt, “I designed this piece based on photos I took at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah.  The site is famous for the large dinosaur fossils embedded in the rocks.  The colorful rock cliffs along the river and the amazing sky inspired me.”

Ancient Flight by Barbara Striegel

Ancient Flight by Barbara Striegel, 58″ x 62″

Barbara Striegel hails from Rio Rancho and is very active in the local quilt community, participating in the Thimbleweeds Quilters and serving as treasurer of the Fiber Arts Fiesta, which will take place over Memorial Day weekend in Albuquerque.  We need more folks like Barbara!  Here’s what she has to say, “The 16 ancient designs depicted represent both Pueblo and pottery designs.  The Zia Dragonfly soars over a river observing the many animals found living in the Pueblo lands of the ancient Southwest.”

Seeing the show with my friends - what a treat!  L-R:  Sami Sanborn, Pat Folsom, Cynthia Figueroa-McInteer, Lizzie Roberts

L-R: Sami Sanborn, Pat Folsom, Cynthia Figueroa-McInteer, Lizzie Roberts, and Mary Chappelle.  (and no, those are not horns growing out of Cynthia’s head!)

Seeing the show with my friends – what a treat!

Southwest Sampler by Floyd and Wilma Moss

Southwest Sampler by Floyd and Wilma Moss, 67″ x 78″

Nothing says New Mexico, like a Southwestern Sampler!  This one was created by Floyd and Wilma Moss of Suphur Springs, TX.  They say this about their quilt,  “Ah, the Southwest! Shades of ochre, copper and russet define canyon walls, plateaus, and minerals. Shadows of charcoal gray emphasize the depths of the canyons and give distinction to native flora which is seen in relief against the brilliance of the setting sun. Turquoise skies and ecru clouds reflect in streams and lakes and find substance in the gems which hide in the earth. The shapes and designs in the quilt recall the art, pottery and textiles of the peoples of the southwest.”

I Went to Albuquerque, by Sylvie Poulin, 36" x 43"

I Went to Albuquerque, by Sylvie Poulin, 36″ x 43″

Sylvie Poulin, who hails from Val-Dor, Quebec, Ontario, traveled the greatest distance to see her quilt hanging in the show.  She says this about her quilt, “Mythical Kokopelli travels to another village in his eternal wanderings through the Southwest desert.  The rays of sun and their swirls remind us of the summer heat, while the rainbow colors bring back the sky at sunrise and sunset.  But is it the sun or are we seeing the top of a hot air balloon rising above the festival?”

New Mexico Hillside and the Roadrunner, by Jeanne Hurt, 17" x 34"

New Mexico Hillside and the Roadrunner, by Jeanne Hurt, 17″ x 34″

Jeanne Hurt, a local resident, created this three dimensional quilt with a myriad of things New Mexico.  She says this about her quilt, “The wildlife, the fauna and the colors of the state of New Mexico helped me to make this landscape a beautiful place to enjoy every day in my home. I see the Turquoise Trail, the Rio Grande, and the rocks and grasses come to life. The roadrunner hunts his favorite food, the lizard, along the path and life goes on in New Mexico.”

I’m sure you will agree that there is so much variety in this exhibit.  Stay tuned for more in a couple of days!

 

Add your comment!

AQS QUILTWEEK IS COMING TO ALBUQUERQUE!

American Quilters Society QuiltWeek®

Albuquerque, New Mexico

January 14-17, 2015

It includes two very special exhibits near and dear to me!

Click Here to Visit the Admissions Page

 

 

Shades of the Southwest, curated by Donna Barnitz and myself

The Southwest holds a special magic that speaks, not only to those that call it home, but others who’ve only visited.  The thirty one quilts in the Shades of the Southwest exhibit embody all of the qualities that make this landscape unique, from the granite rock formations, to the Native American culture, to the plants and animals that call the desert home.  The quilts honor our vibrant blue skies and unforgettable sunsets, our stately yucca and prickly cactus, and our favorite mode of transportation, a humble pickup truck.  Quilt artists were inspired by the designs of the ancient inhabitants, the traditional art of the region and particularly by the colors of this beautiful part of America.  The exhibit drew entries from throughout the United States and Canada.  Click Here to see more images of quilts from this exhibit.

New Mexico's Turquoise Trail, by Vicky Conley

New Mexico’s Turquoise Trail, by Vicki Conley

The Quilts of Gail Garber:  Thirty Quilts from Thirty Years

I am very flattered that the American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek Show in Albuquerque is featuring an exhibit of thirty of my quilts, from 1980 to 2014.   This special exhibit includes some quilts from private collections as well as two that are in the collection of the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY.  This will be the first time that this many of my quilts have been exhibited together.  Follow the trail of my quilting life, from that very first quilt, through my fascination with pictorial applique, to the color saturated, free-form pieces that I enjoy now.

First Quilt, by Gail Garber, 1980

First Quilt, by Gail Garber, 1980

Climate Change, by Gail Garber and Kris Vierra, 2013

Climate Change, by Gail Garber and Kris Vierra, 2013

Great Group Quilts

Friday, January 16

10:00 a.m.

Registration Information

On Friday, January 16, at 10 a.m., I will lecture on my work creating Great Group Quilts.  One of my specialties, as well as one of my favorite things to do is to coordinate a ‘Quilt-in-a-Day’ my way.  I’ll share knowledge gleaned from twenty-two years of experience creating full-sized raffle quilts each pieced in a fun-filled, one-day session for 10-14 quilters, ranging from beginner to advanced.  Lest you think that this is a staid affair, you might be wrong!  Join in the fun and see what happens at Quilt Retreat!

Hawks Aloft Raffle Quilt 2013

Hawks Aloft Raffle Quilt 2013

Add your comment!

More from AQS Chattanooga – Modern Quilts

This post wraps up the images I took of competition quilts at the AQS Chattanooga Quilt Week.  The quilts in all categories were definitely a cut above the norm.  And, as I said in my first post on this show, the detail and volume of quilting that made for such a dramatic display.  This category had only a few entries and they exemplify the clean, clear lines of the modern style.

Red Rectangle, by Judy Mercer Tescher, Pendleton, IN

Red Rectangle, by Judy Mercer Tescher, Pendleton, IN

The quilting in Red Rectangle definitely sets this quilt apart.  By Judy Mercer Tescher, this is a stunningly graphic design.

Keep It Simple, by Jodi Robinson, Enon Valley, PA

Keep It Simple, by Jodi Robinson, Enon Valley, PA

Jodi Robinson wrote that she wanted to create a very simple quilt with good visual impact.  Note the amount of quilting that makes this quilt so richly textured.

Dresden Daisies, by Kimberley Einmo, Manassas, VA

Dresden Daisies, by Kimberley Einmo, Manassas, VA

Dresden Daisies, by Kimberley Einmo, was actually entered in the wall quilt category, although it certainly fits the Modern Style.  I am guessing that, because she had two entries in the AQS Chattanooga show, that she had to enter one in a category other than “Modern”.  Dresden Daisies is a graphically modern twist on a traditional pattern. Beautiful!

Fire and Ice, by Kimberly Einmo, Manassas VA

Fire and Ice, by Kimberly Einmo, Manassas VA

Fire and Ice, also by Kimberly Einmo won “Best of Modern” quilts at the show!  It is a stunner!

Also at AQS Chattanooga, some interesting special exhibits featured interesting and amazing quilts.  I will show those in the coming posts as well as a few photos from my classes!  I am so glad that I could participate in this AQS show!

Add your comment!

More Amazing Wall Quilts from AQS Chattanooga!

Dang!  So many great quilts and they couldn’t all get ribbons!  This particular category, Wall Quilts, is  without doubt the most competitive category of all.  Enjoy tonight’s selection.  First, I have one leftover from last night in the traditional category.

Barion Cut Saphires, by Linda Barrett, Lexington, SC

Barion Cut Saphires, by Linda Barrett, Lexington, SC

Elegant in the simplicity of design, the quilting and use of embellishments make Barion Cut Sapphires a true gem.

Barion Cut Saphires -detail

Barion Cut Saphires -detail

Here’s some of the amazing detail that does not show in the full view of the quilt.

Grief, by Sandy Curran, Newport News, VA

Grief, by Sandy Curran, Newport News, VA

I particularly liked the emotion evident in this quilt by Sandy Curran.  Grief is part of her series on human emotions.  Sandy believes that if the eyes feel alive and convey emotion, the work is successful.  It is beautifully done and certainly embodies emotion.

Nosey Neighbors, by Sherrie Cahill, Madison, AL

Nosey Neighbors, by Sherrie Cahill, Madison, AL

Nosey Neighbors by Sherrie Cahill is unbearably cute and a masterpiece of raw edge applique.  I love the well executed whimsy of this charmer.

So Much Life in a Tiny Seed, by Sharon l. Schlotzhauer, Castle Rock, CO

So Much Life in a Tiny Seed, by Sharon L. Schlotzhauer, Castle Rock, CO

Sharon Schlotzhauer’s entry is so well designed and the color placement so masterful, that this quilt just draws one into it. There’s so much going on here and yet it blends perfectly and reflects the theme.  She says, ” This quilt is a celebration of God’s glorious creation.  It colorfully symbolizes the wondrous capacity for every living things to reproduce from just a tiny seed.

Hoola Hoop Poodle, by V'Lou Oliveira, Norman, OK

Hoola Hoop Poodle, by V’Lou Oliveira, Norman, OK

What whimsy there is in Hoola Hoop Poodle!  It is sometimes difficult to masterfully present a humorous subject and V’Lou Oliviera has a charmer in this quilt.

A Simple Touch, by Pat Rolie, Tulahoma, TN

A Simple Touch, by Pat Rolie, Tulahoma, TN

“A mother’s simple touch can comfort, soothe a pain, express love and communicate her commitment,” says Pat Rolie about this lovely quilt.  The emotion is evident in the presentation of this design and execution of this quilt.

I Have My Eye On You, by Lily Kangas, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

I Have My Eye On You, by Lily Kangas, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

Another whimsical winner.  What a fun quilt this is!  I always enjoy quilts that feature animals.

Adagio, by Dianne S. Hire and Pat LaPierre, Northport, ME

Adagio, by Dianne S. Hire and Pat LaPierre, Northport, ME

This image does not do justice to this masterful quilt by Dianne Hire and Pat LaPierre.  Dianne’s take on Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber is that it is painfully sad, yet sumptuously beautiful. Dianne’s Adagio took 17 years to create and corresponds to Barber’s sad nuances.  It is an especially masterful quilt.

M.s Lantana, by Mary Ramsey Keasler, Cleveland, TN

M.s Lantana, by Mary Ramsey Keasler, Cleveland, TN

Lastly, for tonight at least, Ms. Lantana by Mary Ramsey Keasler is exemplary in creative piecing  and color.   I had taken another detail image but it wasn’t in focus so I cannot share the incredible detail of this quilt.  It is an amazing piece.

Stay tuned.   There is more – so much more!

 

Add your comment!

AQS Chattanooga – Wall Quilts

The wall quilts at this show were outstanding!  To me, it was the amount of and detail of quilting, in addition to the creative designs that set these apart from more average cousins.  With the advent of longarm machines, just about every quilt, even those quilted by hand are heavily and intricately quilted.  I still remember back to the 1980s when I purchased my first unbonded batting from Mountain Mist.  The batting said it needed to be quilted no more than 2″ apart.  At that time, I could not even imagine quilting that closely together.  Today, some of the quilts have no more than 1/4″ between quilting lines.

I hope you enjoy this selection as much as I do.  Some were prize winners while others are quilts that I found really interesting.  BTW, there were 57 quilts entered in Wall Quilt – Art.  So, If you are wondering about the competition, it is really stiff in this category!

Wandering 'Round my World, by Beth Schillig, Columbus, OH

Wandering ‘Round my World, by Beth Schillig, Columbus, OH

You have likely already seen this masterpiece by Beth Schillig.  It has won awards throughout the country and was judged to be the Best Wall Quilt at AQS Chattanooga.

The wall quilt categories, traditional and innovative/art, were an amazing array of diversity, never-ending eye candy for quilters!

If They Were in P.E.I., by Hiroko Miyama Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan

If They Were in P.E.I., by Hiroko Miyama Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan

Hiroko used Cynthia England’s picture piecing and original precision applique techniques.

The Shell Collector, by Bethanne Nemesh, Allentown, PA

The Shell Collector, by Bethanne Nemesh, Allentown, PA

The Shell Collector was one amazing piece of work and design!  Bethanne Nemesh, used silk dupioni and her designs were inspired by a perfect beach day.  All motifs were free drawn and free-motion quilted from her own photography.

The Shell Collector - Detail

The Shell Collector – Detail

Upper Body Workout IMproved, by Laura Trenbeath, Pavillion, WY

Upper Body Workout IMproved, by Laura Trenbeath, Pavillion, WY

I found this quilt by Laura Trenbeath to be fascinating.  It is a whole-cloth quilt done on black fabric and entirely stitched with gold metallic thread.  According to the description, she has never before used metallic thread and wanted to try it out! Amazing!

Upper Body Workout Improved - detail view

Upper Body Workout Improved – detail view

She then used metallic brass studs to embellish the top.  Another incredibly impressive quilt!

Twisted Sisters, by Pam Clark, Bogue Chitto, MS

Twisted Sisters, by Pam Clark, Bogue Chitto, MS

Pam Clark’s vibrant use of color spoke to her expertise of color knowledge.  Although this is a traditional design, I found her colors made this quilt dramatic.

Red Velvet, by Lisa H. Calle, Pottstown, PA

Red Velvet, by Lisa H. Calle, Pottstown, PA

Wow!  Red and white with a touch of gray!  Add in some of the most detailed quilting ever seen and it all works together in this amazing quilt.  I just loved this one by Lisa H. Calle!

Red Velvet - detail view 1

Red Velvet – detail view 1

Red Velvet - detail view 2

Red Velvet – detail view 2

That’s all for tonight!  Check back tomorrow for the rest of the wall quilts that I photographed.

 

 


Add your comment!

More from AQS Chattanooga – Prize-winning Large Quilts

Oh, my!  These were nothing short of amazing!  I cannot believe the quality and creativity embodied by these masterpieces.  There were others, of course, and I couldn’t photograph them all, so I hope you enjoy the selection below.

Greg's Song by Cheri Meineke-Johnson and Linda V. Taylor, Corinth TX

Greg’s Song by Cheri Meineke-Johnson and Linda V. Taylor, Corinth TX

Hadassah, by Audra Rasnake. Meadowview VA

Hadassah, by Audra Rasnake. Meadowview VA

Hadassah Detail

Hadassah Detail

Not only was Hadassah intensely quilted, it was quilted by hand.  Amazing!

Fire and Ice, by Kimberly Einmo, Manassas VA

Fire and Ice, by Kimberly Einmo, Manassas VA

Isabelle, by Kathi Carter, Vineyard, UT

Isabelle, by Kathi Carter, Vineyard, UT

Magnolia, by Claudia Clark Myers, Duluth, MN, and Marilyn Badger, St. George, UT

Magnolia, by Claudia Clark Myers, Duluth, MN, and Marilyn Badger, St. George, UT

Big Bertha, by  Margaret Solomon Gunn,Gorham, ME

Big Bertha, by Margaret Solomon Gunn,Gorham, ME

Blue Rhapsody, by Carolyn Rider, Portsmouth, OH

Blue Rhapsody, by Carolyn Rider, Portsmouth, OH

A Splendid Display, by Cindy Seitz-Krug, Overgaard,AZ

A Splendid Display, by Cindy Seitz-Krug, Overgaard, AZ

A Splendid Display detail

A Splendid Display detail

One of the most noticeable commonalities in all the prize-winning large quilts was the amount of quilting in them, both those quilted by machine and those quilted by hand.  To me, it seems that one of the biggest changes in quilts of today is the quilting!  Touche to everyone whose quilt was accepted into this prestigious show.

Stay tuned!

Add your comment!