Dunedin Fine Arts Center and Leepa-Ratner Art Museum coordinated an international quilt exhibit this summer. I was excited to see quilts from Africa, Egypt and here in Florida for an eclectic display of fabric art.
The Egyptian works were done by men, Egyptian tent makers. Historically, Egyptian tent panels are decorative, colorful displays of fabric pieces sewn in geometric designs or images. Now this craft is being used to create wall hangings. The sewing is intricate and almost invisible. Many of the designs are Ottoman inspired.
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| example of more symmetrical design |
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| Tree of Live design - so much detail |
These quilts from Liberia, Africa are made by local women, some of whom are resurrecting traditional patterns. The coffee tree design from Liberia is famous and often replicated. Liberia was settled by former US slaves prior to the Civil Was. In 1892, former Tennessee slave, now Liberian free woman, Martha Ricks presented her artistic quilt to the Queen of England at Windsor Castle. England recognized the new country of Liberia's independence in 1847, before the United States.
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| Tulips are a common design |
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| Liberian quilts known for white quilted background |
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| Coffee Tree design |
The quilt exhibit leaped to Florida quilts that ranged from artistic, to fun, to interesting. So much local talent.
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| So much to see! They really captured Florida |
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| Looks amazing from a distance, red on beaks |
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| loved the looks and 3D paraphernalia |
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| Always a flamingo. Love the breast feathering |
