This is way beyond patch-work. Edsel & Eleanor Ford House has a new exhibit, Quilt Art: International Expressions, on display Jan. 28-March 25.
The Quilt Art show is on its first U.S. tour, and features more than 30 quilts by 22 contemporary quilt artists from nine countries. That's not all, however. Ford House has several talks, workshops and receptions planned that feature local quilt artists and collectors.
Quilt Art is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is complimentary with house tour tickets, which are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $8 for children 6-12, free for anyone younger.
During the run of this show, Ford House will also host numerous speakers, workshops and other events to entertain and inform both adults and children, including:
- Saturday, Feb. 4 – Desiree Vaughn will lecture on Artful Fabrics and Quilts at 11 a.m. with “how-to” instruction for painting and mark-making on fabric. Later, from 1-4 p.m., she'll host an Introduction to Painting on Fabric workshop, where she'll give an introduction to the paints, tools and materials used to apply transparent paint to fabric. Materials are included. Space is limited for both events. Cost: $10, $7 for Ford House members for the lecture only. Cost for the painting workshop is $65, $60 for Ford House members.
- Monday, Feb. 13 – Tea & Textile: Quilted Clothing, presented by local textile artist Michelle Mitchell. She'll talk about making quilted clothing. Guests will view the award-winning collection of Mitchell’s “wearable art,” which has garnered her numerous awards. The discussion and trunk show will be followed by tea and treats. Cost: $35, $30 for members.
- Thursday, March 1 – At Inside a Private Collection, guests will enjoy a wine and cheese reception followed by an exploration of Kempf Hogan’s private collection of folk and contemporary textiles. Visitors will enjoy a look at African-American story quilts and needlepoint rugs of Hogan’s own design. Cost: $25, $20 for members.
- Saturday, March 10 – Kids will get hands-on experience with sewing and leave with a finished product in this Quilting for Children workshop hosted by Laura Rodin. Cost: $10 per person.
- Monday, March 19 – Making Quilts and Making Art explores local artist Judi Warren Blaydon’s paintings, quilts and stitched paper prints. A wine and cheese reception with the artist will follow the trunk show and discussion. Cost: $25, $20 for members.
- Thursday, March 22 – Enjoy an evening of Improvisational Art with professional interior designer and artist Carole Harris. Her richly colored fabric works have been exhibited nationally in museums and galleries. The evening includes e a special wine reception. Cost: $25, $20 for members.
Reservations for all programs can be made at www.fordhouse.org or by calling 313.884.4222.
