with some very mixed feelings.
It all started when I was filling out my forms, to enter those pieces that I felt were good enough. Imagine my disappointment when, upon reading the judging criteria, I realized that none of my pieces were eligible for entry! After calming down and thinking about it for a couple of days, I recognized that they had the option of setting any criteria they wanted for their show, and I had the option of choosing whether or not I would enter. Since it would have meant starting from scratch and creating pieces specifically for the show--pieces that it would be unlikely I could use anywhere else--and that would have to be created under a very demanding deadline ( 2 weeks), I reluctantly decided not to enter.
But that didn't stop me from volunteering! I was very involved in the supervision of a travelling art quilt exhibit, that had been invited to exhibit in conjunction with the larger show. There were a few glitches, but the show was hung and was very well received-- by the public. How gratifying it was to hear all of the comments! We even managed to sell a piece. But at the same time, there were comments made by show committee members, and other Guild members, that made me wonder if we were only there on sufferance,--subtle comments, that left you wondering if you had actually heard correctly.
I attended the banquet associated with the show, and the guest speaker left no doubt about her feeling regarding the "Modern" quilt movement. She has no use for it, or anyone else, that made other that very traditonal quilts. When the prizes were awarded, as they always are at such banquets, I was shocked when it was announced that, because there were few art quilts entered, the prizes had been moved to a different category. Not that there weren't quilts worthy of the prizes, (there were) but just that there hadn't been enough entered--after they had provided criteria so rigid that it was almost impossible to enter any art quilt.
Later, in conversation with someone in a position to be knowledgeable about such things, I was told that the show critera and the judging classes had deliberately been set up to minimize the participation of art quilters. This person thought that the whole thing had been a planned strategy to prevent art quilters from taking any prizes, and to discourage art quilters from becoming involved with the Guild. Some of this may have been in response to an art quilt taking Best of Show at the a previous show, but that quilt was actually a wonderful example of hand applique--however, done by a recognized "art"quilter!
If it is really true that this was a strategy aimed at discouraging art quilters from participation in guild activities, it was a successful one. I have been a member for over 30 years, and have particpated at every level, serving many years on the executive, and having been awarded a life membership, but I don't think they are going to see much of me in the future.
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16 comments:
Because of this attitude, art quilters are leaving guilds like this in droves (ask me how I know) and forming their own or joining the more open-minded MQGs.
Too bad. I just taught at a large and diverse, inclusive guild in NY City which has art quilters (with their own sub-group, still part of the guild), trad quilters, and everything in between. It is a joy to see. These are the guilds that will have young members and that will thrive.
I left my former guild 12 years ago, after I stood up at show and tell with a quilt that was greeted with dead silence instead of applause. The rest is history.
wow -- too bad they have decided that they don't need art quilters
I'm fortunate to belong to a guild that has actually looked for art quilters and are very appreciative of our work
I wish you well in finding a new guild home
This attitude is why I no longer belong to the local guild. After taking home top prizes at a show, including Most Original, the next guild newsletter carried a comment that they should get a judge who 'knew' art quilts....that is all I entered and got ribbons for.
Interesting that "modern quilting" is seen as not traditional enough. I see it as quite traditional; other than the new designer fabrics, most of these quilts could easily have been made in the 70s. (Actually, I think I made some of them then...)
So true, Kathy. From what I have seen, it started out being renegade and fresh but has morphed into more trad in some guilds; just using different kinds of fabrics. It does depend on the makeup of the MQG, however - some are much funkier than others (like the NY Metro guild). At first, I thought the Moderns were the future art quilters but now I am not so sure. However, they do seem to be more open-minded than a lot of the fuddy-duddy quilt-police-trad quilters in the original post. Cheesh!
It's hard to believe that in this day and age anyone involved in a guild could be so narrow minded. I'm lucky to belong to a guild that embraces art quilters. We even have a subgroup that meets early before the regular meeting and an art quit won Best of Show last year.
Good luck in finding another guild or another group to support you.
Sigh. It's most definitely time for you to find a more supportive group. I'v been so fortunate to be in and have contact with many, many, quilt guilds that are very supportive and encouraging of ALL sorts of quilts and quilter.
It's the thing I LOVE about the quilting world. There really is room for the woman who wants to make an antique reproduction, the art quilter who dyes or designs all her own fabric, and even the one who makes the three color quilt exactly matching the cover of her pattern.
They are out there - if you can't find them in an organization - start your own!
I think 'non-traditional', 'modern', 'art' and 'contemporary' quilters - (terms which cover/overlap some of the same 'ground') at eventually likely to find their work is not the focus or interest of and in some cases not really welcome in, some traditional quilting quilds. It all depends on the vision and attitudes of those who serve any guild in official capacity, and, ultimately, reflect the feelings of their members. Each maker and wannabe exhibitor comes to a crunch point - to make what the guild organisers are looking for for their shows, or make what YOU want to make, and then YOU LOOK for a suitable venue to exhibit your art. It's possible to have a foot in each camp and many do, but for others, it's not a good experience, and a reason to decide to physically or emotionally leave a traditional guild to its traditional stuff. The traditional quiltmakers are in the majority - and people who make art quilts, in the worlds of the late Hilary Fletcher, do not make 'better' quilts, just 'different' quilts. but we are in the quiltmaking minority. In a few weeks I'm teaching to a guild in CA - treditional including some non-traditional makers. They asked me - I enjoy having experienced makers of tradtiionql and non-traditional working alongside each other in class. We all belong to the same passionate group of people who enjoy cutting little bits of fabric,putting them together and quilting the result :-) We have a lot to learn from each other - and I'm talking both ways.
I was at the quilt show yesterday. I was actually surprised at how "traditional" 99% of the quilts were and was wondering where the "art quilts" were. Now I know why!!
I myself started doing traditional quilts years ago, but now I like being able to create fabrics and pieces on my own.
Well...When I moved to Ohio in 2005, I went to my first local guild meeting and brought along some of my quilts to show them what I did. One was traditionally based (but decidedly non traditional colors and it had shiisha mirrors and crocheted trim and was orange, red, lime green turquoise and cheddar) the others were art quilts. I showed them and at first there was silence then someone said "They're art quilts!" Um...uhhh...well I took a deep breath and stayed with it. Several years later, I said something to one of the people who was there at the time and she said "We were on awe of people who could do that, we just don't know how!" After that, I've been teaching a small group on art quilt techniques and working with the elements of design on a monthly basis. On May 5, we're having a demo/workshop day where six of us are doing different techniques. I'll be leading a "Play" spot where people can do 8 1/2" x 11" collages using found objects.
I have to say that they understand art quilts more and are much more willing to try new stuff since I joined...I suppose it helps that they also know that I have done my fair share of traditional quilts, but they are really open to learning...The applique mavens, paper pieces and miniaturists are still there, but there is a welcoming of all quilters to this little group in a very traditional/conservative part of Ohio....it takes some time, but we can spread the word...
In the other big guild I belong to, the last two years "art quilts" have included kit quilts and patterns done by others. I bridled a bit at being judged with these, but in talking to the powers that be, I found that they didn't know the difference...and I admit, the line between contemporary quilts and art quilts is getting very blurry.
Neither of which means that anyone should be snide or derogatory about the quilts others have made...L.
I love antique/traditional quilts. I just don't want to make them any more.
Great that you are doing this, Lisa!
This post is sincerely an interesting read, especially for someone like me who isn't coming into the art quilt world from a traditional background. I've been to a few quilt guild meetings, however, and felt the negative attitude. I never returned and never considered joining. I've visited with a few "art quilters", once when out-of-town ... and felt the same attitude. I'm beginning to understand that their are those in quilt guilds, even some of the sub-groups for "art quilts", who have very definite and totally restrictive ideas as to how an art quilt should be constructed, what materials ought to be used, what subject matters are acceptable, and want rules imposed that limit creativity in both design and style choices. Thanks for sharing! At least when reading your post, I know I'm not alone ... just isolated from other like-minded artists.
Susan
I visited the show as well, and , like Marsha, was looking for the art quilts! Now it makes sense. I am a member of MPQ, and would have entered the show, but I missed the deadline for submissions.
The interesting thing to ponder about this particular group, is that individually, the quilter-members make lots of art quilts! I have taught many classes to members at retreats and workshops and they have made art quilts! Beautiful art quilts! But, none of these quilts were on display..... As I walked the floor of the show a number of quilters came up to me to tell me that they had finished the art quilts they started in class and loved making them.
It seems the MPQ members are still 'in the closet' about showing their creativity. The skill level of these quilters is amazing- they have all the current gadgets and know how to use them. I love teaching any kind of class to this guild.
I am not sure why they choose not to show ALL of the quilts they make. It seems there is a standard of 'excellence' in workmanship that has to be achieved before a quilt is entered in the show. In time, perhaps, there will be too many art quilts for the closet to hold, and they will all be out on the walls with the rosettes they deserve!
I am very interested in your blog post and the comments it generated. As one of the judges and a workshop leader at the MPQ show last week I have a few insights:
As an art quilter myself I was somewhat disappointed in the lack of art quilts submitted for judging. I did find out that the quilts for judging were entered in higher than expected numbers and there was no room for the usual non-judged section - as a result the decision was made that only judged quilts could be displayed.
I did take in the FAN exhibition and must say that the display was very well showcased and drew large numbers of visitors into the separate room. Comments I overheard were very positive and full of excitement! You can be proud of the fact that you have staged a wonderful exhibition, Pat.
I was teaching an art quilt course which was filled to capacity - a strong testament to the fact that attitudes are changing.
When I was hired to judge and quilt nearly two years ago I was well aware that the MPQ is steeped in tradition. Why not take the initiative and start a satellite group that will offer support to like minded people (I met quite a few!) and at the same time provide educational opportunities? You are on the forefront and can be instrumental in turning a negative experience into a positive opportunity!
As an aside: I have elaborated about my experience in Winnipeg on my own blog if you are interested in the judging and my observations.
Thanks for letting me weigh in!
Dear .,
I, for one, would love to read your blog -- but since you posted anonymously with no link and no way to find your blog, it does not seem likely we will find you.
It is always good to hear another side of the story and I hope you will post the link here (or email me from my own blog and send the link to your blog. Thanks!
For some reason my last post came through as anonymous - despite the fact that I provided my blog address and was signed in with my full name. The blog link must have been scrubbed...
This is Anna Hergert, I was one of the judges in Winnipeg, as mentioned. My blog address is http://annahergert.wordpress.com
I do hope this comes through, otherwise please google my name. (Rayna we met at QBL while teaching in 2009)
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