This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Exhibition Development Seminar and its groundbreaking exhibition Eyewinkers, Tumbleturds, and Candlebugs: The Art of Elizabeth Talford Scott.
In Scott’s earlier work, though the quilts were utilitarian, they were magnificent in color, shape and historical significance. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that she began pushing traditional quilting boundaries by incorporating a variety of fabrics and fibers to see her ideas come to completion. These quilts formed from unconventional objects combined with fabric create a sense of awe and wonder for the viewer. Her multi-layered work pushes the idea of what a quilt or any fiber piece can look like and what can be used in its making.
By examining the contemporary, collaborative work of the MICA Quilt Raffle Group we see the same play of materials within their pieces. Some follow traditional quilt patterns that have been used for generations while others incorporate objects in surprising ways.
Many of these quilts were made during the pandemic, when being in community and experiencing wonderment were especially needed. Elizabeth Talford Scott’s statement “Take what you have, make what you want” was especially relevant to this group’s methodology. Creating quilts together led to the investigation of traditional forms. Ultimately, they started working virtually, making a collective space, and finding power in the shifting landscape.
This exhibition, focuses on the idea of transitioning from quilts as a medium, to what they might become as stand-alone fiber art pieces. Through an array of materials, the pieces challenge long standing traditions thus expanding possibilities in fiber arts.
Location: Decker Gallery (Fox Building, Floor 1, Glass doors to the right of Cafe Doris)
On View: January 25 - March 10, 2024
Reception: Thursday, January 25, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
SELECT PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
No Stone Left Unturned: Elizabeth Talford Scott Community Celebration @ BMA
Open to the public. Sunday, February 4th 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
*REGISTRATION FULL. Walk-ups may be accommodated on a first come first serve basis.* https://artbma.org/event/
Mending Workshop @ MICA in Decker Gallery, Fox Building
Open to the MICA Community. Tuesday, February 20th 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Capacity is limited to 50 people. Registration link forthcoming.
BMORE Fabric Swap @ MICA in Leidy Atrium, Brown Center
Open to the public. Wednesday, March 6th 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
More Info: https://www.mica.edu/events-exhibitions/events-calendar/details/bmore-fabric-swap/2024-03-06/
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Major support for "No Stone Unturned" provided by the Bunting Family Foundation and Friends of EDS.
Community Day is supported by Lorraine Whittlesey & Markell Whittlesey.
Printed and digital materials are supported by the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund.
The Closing Reception is supported by Carol and Jerry Doctrow.
In-kind support is provided by the Estate of Elizabeth Talford Scott at Goya Contemporary Gallery.