STE. GENEVIEVE – The idea of “something old, something new” has unique appeal. It suggests both past and present, invention and continuity. And next month the Ste. Genevieve Art Guild will embrace that duality with its first-ever quilt show and sale…an homage to one of our county’s lasting traditions.
The tradition of creating beautiful (and practical) works of art with fabric continues in Ste. Genevieve County.
“One of the first things you think of when you think about women’s creativity is quilting,” says Juanita Wyman, chairman of the up-coming event. “Layering and stitching fabric to provide warmth and protection is an art form that dates back at least 5,000 years, and it’s been alive and well in Ste. Genevieve County since the French came here in the 1700s. So quilting has been part of who we are since the beginning. That’s why we’re calling the show and sale ‘Stitches Over Time.'”
Wyman says that while quilting techniques and styles and materials have changed over the centuries, there are two constants: the creativity and care that go into constructing quilts and the work as a creative and social outlet for women.
“It’s amazing when you think about women here, maybe as long as 250 years ago, making their quilts from scraps of cloth, often in small, neighborly groups. Creating practical and beautiful things. And local women are still doing that,” Wyman says. “Plus, women have built on that tradition, creating other kinds of works of art made from fabric and fiber. What a wonderful thing that is.”
Wyman says the Guild’s celebration of quilt-making includes the Quilt Show and Sale of both traditional and art quilts made by women in Ste. Genevieve County, plus a visual history of some of the oldest quilts created by area residents. A show of contemporary fiber art and other related art by members of the Sainte Genevieve Art Guild also is planned.
The Quilt Show and Sale will take place at the DuBourg Centre August 13-14 during Jour de Fete weekend. The display of art created by members of the Guild will be mounted at the Ste. Genevieve Art Center & Museum. A free “preview” lecture and art display by regionally-known fiber artists Shannon and Blake Sanders will take place at the Art Center & Museum on August 9 at 6 p.m.
“It’s going to be a wonderful event,” Wyman says. “It’s our sincere tribute to the quilters and fiber artists of our county and the rich legacy they created…truly ‘Stitches Over Time.'”
For more information about the Guild or this event visit artstegen.org. Support for the event comes from the Ste. Genevieve County Community Foundation and generous private donors.