Quilts: Flora Botanica

July 12 – October 26

Kress Gallery

Floral images have been among the most popular with America's quiltmakers. This view of approximately 30 quilts from the collection considers the sources for many of the classic patchwork designs. Rather than drawing from nature, quiltmakers drew from traditions of fine and folk arts. Using other objects from the museum collection, the exhibition frames the artistic and cultural context in which the quilts were made, with references to Indian and Germanic folk arts, politics and popular culture.

Two particularly important quilts with the three-dimensional embroidery known as “stump work” will be on display. The exhibition will also focus on the concept of a teaching art museum providing inspiration using six contemporary copies of the antique quilts stitched by local artists from the Kaw Valley Quilter’s Guild. A pair of quilts, one from 1850 and one from 1930, will showcase master-quiltmaker Rose Kretsinger's use of the museum's quilt collection in the early 20th century.

This exhibition is organized for the Spencer Museum by Barbara Brackman, internationally known textiles expert and our honorary curator of quilts, in collaboration with Susan Earle, curator of European and American art.

Public Programs in Conjuction with the Exhibition

7.13
Quilting demonstration: 2-4 PM / Central Court / Area quilters from the group Sew Whatever will demonstrate their work.
7.19
It Starts With Art!: Children's art appreciation classes for ages 5-14 / A Stitch or Nine / 10:30 AM & 1:30 PM / To enroll, contact Jessica Johnson, SMA Education Department, 785.864.0137 or smakids@ku.edu
7.20
Gallery Talk: Barbara Brackman on Quilts: Flora Botanica / 2 PM / Kress Gallery / Brackman is honorary SMA curator of quilts. / Following the talk, Brackman will sign copies of her recent book Making History: Quilts and Fabric from 1890-1970.
7.27
Quilting demonstration: 2-4 PM / Central Court / Featuring area quilters from the group Women Who Run with Scissors.
8.3
Quilting demonstration: 2-4 PM / Central Court / Featuring area quilters from the group QBCs (Quilting, Books and Conversation).
8.10
Quilting demonstration: 2-4 PM / Central Court / Featuring area quilters from the group High IQs (Independent Quilters).
8.17
Quilting demonstration: 2-4 PM / Central Court / Featuring area quilters from the group High IQs (Independent Quilters).
9.11
Gallery Talk: Barbara Brackman / 5:30 PM / Kress Gallery
10.4
It Starts With Art!: Children's art appreciation classes for ages 5-14 / Block it Out /10:30 AM & 1:30 PM / To enroll, contact Jessica Johnson, SMA Education Department, 785.864.0137 or smakids@ku.edu