This morning I was given the wonderful opportunity to visit the Sacred Threads exhibit as finishing touches were added. If you are not familiar with Sacred Threads, I would guess that you’ve probably never seen anything quite like it.
Back in 1999, fellow quilter, Vikki Pignatelli, gathered a small group of women to discuss their idea to present quilts with topics that you wouldn’t ordinarily see at quilt shows, giving quilters a venue to freely express themselves. Their idea was to create “a dignified exhibit of artwork that would touch all those who viewed it on both spiritual and personal levels.”
Since 2011, we have been fortunate enough to have this exhibit here in Northern Virginia. Four former members of the Studio and Seminar staffs are on the committee and they invited me to take a sneak peek.
This biennial exhibit is divided into the themes of Joy, Spirituality, Inspiration, Grief, Healing and Peace/Brotherhood and does not focus on any particular religion or faith.
As I first stepped in, my eye was caught by a quilt so obviously filled with joy.
Throughout the exhibit, the quilts told the stories and experiences of life but it was also fascinating, as a quilter, to see how these artists expressed themselves whether their work leaned towards the traditional or abstract. The workmanship of so many of these pieces amazed and impressed me.
There was even a special exhibit in honor of Yvonne Porcella who passed away last year. I was able to look through these quilts before they were hung and they certainly brought a smile to my face as they reminded me so of Yvonne.
The exhibit runs July 7th through July 23rd at the Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon, Virginia. Visit their website, www.sacredthreadsquilts.com, for hours and directions. You’ll also find information about “Meet the Artist Weekend” including dinners and more, plus location and dates for the traveling Sacred Threads exhibit. I encourage all who live in the area or who will be visiting during the time of the show to see the spectacular, inspirational exhibit.
Thank you for your review. After reading this I’m definitely going to try to go. The quilts look stunning.
Hi Jinny, The last image on this blog has a photo of you standing in front of a quilt that isn’t mine, but the title “Fall Was Her Favorite Time of Year” IS the title of my quilt in the 2017 Sacred Threads Exhibit.
Glad you liked the exhibit. I will be going for the artist reception next week.
Hope