West Caldwell Library Exhibits Work of 90-Year-Old Quilter

Caldwell resident Marietta Schoenherr began quilting at the age of 70 and the 90-year-old still actively pursues this hobby.  

Schoenherr designs art quilts with intricate design patterns and vivid colors, which are typically used as wall hangings.

"Quilting has kept me in good health and happiness over the years and has sharpened my zest for life and the awareness of my natural surroundings," she said.

As a child, Schoenherr was interested in sewing, but it wasn’t until she approached her 70th birthday that she decided to take up quilting.

After taking some lessons at the Acme Quilting Shop in Pequannock, she decided to work on her own. She has made over 160 quilts during the past 20 years. Many of the quilts were given to family members and friends and she has even sold several of them.

"For some unexplainable reason my interest holds strong and the older I get the more I want to produce," she said. "I am fascinated by color and design.”

Schoenherr is an active member of the Nubian Heritage Quilters Guild in Montclair, which was formed in 1995. She has displayed her quilts in various art galleries, including the Israel Crane Museum House in Montclair, Aljira Art Gallery in Newark, and the Wally Choice Community Center in Montclair. She was invited to display her quilts at the Priory Restaurant in Newark, famous for its soul food and jazz performances. 

Recently, the Nubian Heritage Quilters Guild had an auction as a fundraiser. Schoenherr made a queen-size quilt for the auction that sold for $3,000. She was thrilled that the quilt netted such a high price and was delighted that the Quilters Guild, which has given her so much happiness and new found friends, profited from the sale of her quilt.

During the month of August, Schoenherr has an exhibit of art quilts at the , 30 Clinton Road, in the Richard Cass Art Gallery. The quilts can be viewed during regular library hours: Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.