Two Days in Chicago

Earlier in the week of Quilt National, I met two of my Alaskan friends in Chicago.  We had a wonderful two and a half days of visiting museums and dining on fine food.  Above is a view looking out one of the windows at the Museum of Contemporary Art.  We were unfortunately a day early for the Mark Bradford show, but we did get to sneak a peak inside the door where the work was being installed.  I will make a point to look for his work in my travels.  We were treated to the impressive Chicago architecture on our walk back to Millennium Park.

Here is one of the most impressive sights in downtown Chicago: Cloud Gate by sculptor Anish Kapoor, called "The Bean" by most in Chicago.  It is fascinating.  Read about it on Wikipedia.

These beautiful glass domes and mosaic walls are in the Chicago Cultural Center. 

We also stumbled upon Project Onward there.  I bought some wonderful artwork by Adam Hines and David Holt and was lucky enough to meet the artists.  I'm so happy to have these quirky and imaginative pieces of art.

George Steinbrenner by David Holt.

Gloria Stuart by David Holt

Monopoly by Adam Elias Hines

New Mayor Rahm Emanuel by Adam Elias Hines

New Mayor Rahm Emanuel, detail, by Adam Elias Hines

"Crater" Awarded Best of Show, Quilt National 2011

Crater, (81" w x 60" h)

Photos by Mark Frey

I just returned from the opening of Quilt Nationa 2011 at the Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens, Ohio.  I was honored that my quilt, Crater, was named Best of Show!  You can see some photos of the show at Quilt National's Facebook page.  You can purchase the catalog of the exhibition at the Dairy Barn Shop or on Amazon.  The show will be on view at the Dairy Barn through September 5th.

I had been notified that I'd won a prize but they wouldn't say which one.  When I walked in the Dairy Barn on Friday afternoon, my quilt was right in the middle, the first one to be seen.  Kathleen Dawson, the director of Quilt National, was standing right there.  I said, Gee, I got such a great space!  She said, For a reason, then pointed me to a sign on the wall that listed all the prizewinners.  I was all choked up and teary-eyed. I was in Quilt National in 1987, then had 10 rejections over 22 years before I made it into QN09.  It feels great to be in two shows in a row, and to have such a wonderful recognition of my work.  Persistence pays! 

Crater, detail

See Cynthia Corbin's Work at the Latimer Quilt and Textile Museum in Tillamook

My friend Mary and I took a drive to Tillamook on Mothers' Day.  Our main objective was to see Cynthia Corbin's exhibit, Surface Tension, at the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center.  Go there!  It's well worth the drive.  The show is up until July 3rd. 

Cynthia Corbin at the Latimer Quilt and Textile Museum

with Sun Screen

The Oregon Coast between Tillamook and Canon Beach.

Kayakers enjoying the day.

The haystacks at Canon Beach.  Could the sky really be that blue?

Portland on a Sunny Day

I took a few photos while at OHSU in Portland last Wednesday, one of our few sunny days this year.  In the photo above, Mt. St. Helens is in the distance.  Below you can see Mt. Hood to the east.

May Handwerk Fabric Club Selection Now Available to Ship

Warm is what we're all wishing for here in the Pacific Northwest.  It's been a cold, wet spring.  Time for some warmer weather!  Warm consists of a medium pink with yellowish highlights, a lighter pink, barn red, tangerine, gold, and a cherry pink. Fat Quarter packages (1 1/2 yds. total) are $27 ($30 including shipping by first class post within the U.S.); 1/2 yard packages (3 yds total) are $54 plus actual postage to your location; 1 yard packages (6 yards total) are $108 plus actual postage. Warm is now available for shipping.  This is a limited edition, so not many packs are available. Email me at bonnie@handwerktextiles.com to order. Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal accepted.

Columbia FiberArts Guild at Portland Convention Center

Columbia FiberArts Guild has a booth at the Gathering of the Guilds at the Portland Convention Center this weekend.  We have a variety of fiber-related products made by our talented guild members:  quilts, decorator pillows, scarves, clothing made from recycled blankets, recycled felted pincushions, katazome banners, purses, fabric, cards, baskets and more!  (Double click on the photos to view the products close up.) You still have Saturday (10am - 7pm) and Sunday (10am to 5pm) to stop by and say hi.  CFG is in the Handweavers Guild section of the show.

Portland's Gathering of the Guilds April 29 - May 1

Portland's annual Gathering of the Guilds is this coming weekend at the Portland Convention Center.  It's one of the biggest craft sales you'll see.  Represented are pottery, woodworking, beading and jewelry, sculpture and metalarts, glass, and handweaving.  This year Columbia FiberArts Guild will have a booth in the handweaving section.  I'll be helping with the CFG booth, #909 right between the handweavers and the woodworkers, so stop by and say hi.  The show hours are
Friday, April 29, 10am - 9 pm
Saturday, April 30, 10am - 7pm
Sunday, May 1, 10am - 5pm
There's no admission.  Hope to see you there.