(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) — A new quilt exhibit focusing on environmental awareness is coming to the University of Central Missouri Gallery of Art and Design.
An opening reception for the exhibit, “Earth Stories,” is set for 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, in the Main Gallery. “Earth Stories” artist and UCM adjunct professor, Annie Helmericks-Louder, will speak about her work and the exhibition at 3 p.m. during the opening reception. The exhibit continues through March 6, 2015, before it travels to other venues over the next few years, according to a news release.
The exhibit presents work by members of the Studio Art Quilt Associates, an international nonprofit organization, marking the 25th anniversary of its founding, which has some 3,000 members across 31 countries. Artists included in the “Earth Stories” exhibit are from 11 states in the U.S., and seven countries, including Japan and Israel.
Carolyn L. Mazloomi, quilt historian, writer, and independent curator juried the exhibit.
“Quilts were chosen based on visual strength, degree of technical skill, and intellectually interesting story lines,” Mazloomi said in a news release. “The themes are executed in a variety of styles that include abstract, painterly, figurative and graphic. The pieces use a variety of techniques such as painting, dyeing, drawing, patchwork, collage, photo transfer and sketching with stitchery.”
The 24 quilts in the exhibit tell the stories of people or projects that enhance the planet, make a significant difference in restoring and/or protecting the environment, increase sustainability and otherwise improve the planet. Topics explored by the artists include loss of species and habitat, inspired by Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring”; the impact of disposable coffee cups on landfills; the effects of wind farms on plants and animals, and other environmental and social issues.
“Earth Stories provides an opportunity to share a collection of contemporary quilts that reflect the power that this art form has to serve as a voice for expression and artist activism,” said the exhibit’s organizer and Gallery Director Christian Cutler.
The UCM Gallery of Art and Design is located in the Art Center Building at 217 Clark St. in Warrensburg, across the street from the James C. Kirkpatrick Library. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays or by appointment. Admission is free, and groups are welcome. For more information or directions, call 660-543-4498.