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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!

 

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