Spencer Museum of Art The University of Kansas
Exhibition installation

Quilts: Flora Botanica

July 12 - October 26, 2008 | 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

7.13
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Demonstration: Quilting demonstration
2-4 PM / Central Court
Area quilters will demonstrate their work. Visitors are encouraged to observe and ask questions. / In conjunction with Quilts: Flora Botanica.
7.19
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Childrens Art Appreciation Class: A Stitch or Nine
10:30 AM & 1:30 PM / Central Court & Galleries
Uncover quilts in the Quilts: Flora Botanica exhibition and piece together an art quilt. / $ / To enroll, contact the SMA education department, 785.864.0137 or smakids@ku.edu
7.20
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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
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Demonstration: Quilting demonstration
2-4 PM / Central Court
Area quilters will demonstrate their work. Visitors are encouraged to observe and ask questions. / In conjunction with Quilts: Flora Botanica.
8.3
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Demonstration: Quilting demonstration
2-4 PM / Central Court
Area quilters will demonstrate their work. Visitors are encouraged to observe and ask questions. / In conjunction with Quilts: Flora Botanica.
8.10
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Demonstration: Quilting demonstration
2-4 PM / Central Court
Area quilters will demonstrate their work. Visitors are encouraged to observe and ask questions. / In conjunction with Quilts: Flora Botanica.
9.11
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Gallery Talk: Barbara Brackman on Quilts: Flora Botanica
5:30 PM / Kress Gallery
Brackman is honorary SMA curator of quilts
10.4
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It Starts With Art! Childrens art appreciation classes for ages 5-14: Block it Out
10:30 AM & 1:30 PM / Central Court & Galleries
Using quilt blocks as a guide, students will design a pattern filled with people, animals or more / $ / To enroll, contact Jessica Johnson, SMA Education Department, 785.864.0137 or smakids@ku.edu or visit our website to enroll online

Press

Quilts: Flora Botanica is Sponsored by:

Morgan Stanley