Quilt National '03

November 15 - December 16, 2005
Emily Lowe Gallery

This exhibition of 20 art quilts represents the 13th in a series of biennial international juried competitions and exhibitions of the work of contemporary innovative quilt makers. These competitions demonstrate that quilts have matured into a fine art. Although heritage quiltmaking remains an honored craft, an increasing number of artists are producing art quilts that exhibit unique design, personal vision and technical excellence.

More than 670 artists from 47 states and 20 foreign countries submitted 1,452 works for consideration by the jury panel that included internationally recognized artist/quiltmakers Liz Axford and Wendy Huhn, as well as curator and author Robert Shaw.

The quilts provide conclusive evidence that the quilt is an art form that is alive and well. Quilt National Project Director Hilary Fletcher noted, "Today's quilt makers are simply doing what has always been done. They are making choices and shaping available materials into objects that give us a glimpse of something meaningful in their lives."

The exhibit is produced by the Dairy Barn Cultural Arts Center in Athens, Ohio, with additional funding provided by Fairfield Processing Corporation, maker of Poly-fil® brand fiber products; Quilts Japan magazine; Bernina® of America; Friends of Fiber Art International; Studio Art Quilt Associates; FreeSpirit® Fabric; the Ohio Arts Council; the City of Athens; and additional generous businesses and private individuals.