PAQA-S 2022 Exhibit

I had the distinct pleasure of  seeing the PAQA-S 2022 Exhibit at the Sertoma Arts Center in Raleigh, NC this month. PAQA-S is the Professional Art Quilters Alliance-South that promotes innovative art quilts, art cloth, and art garments.

The 2022 exhibit is titled ArtQuilts Emerge.

Their theme is described on the website as follows:

In 2020 and 2021, much of life was put on hold; daily life took on new restrictions. But during this time, we endured; we re-considered what is important; what can be left behind; what does the future look like?

PAQA-South members have created works of fiber art to express the new ways of looking at our lives.

The Quilts of the PAQA-S 2022 Exhibit

I took lots of photos to share with you here. It’s a very eclectic collection of quilts. My friends amd I had a great time looking at the different styles and techniques used to express the theme.

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Vicki used ombre fabric to create the illusion of depth and space. The angled quilting moves the eye around the piece.

Roberta says, “Come out and dance….let go of your inhibitions and celebrate being free.” The bright fabrics and fun applique really is a celebration!

Mary says, “The pandemic slammed the door on life and normality for people around the world. After a time, people began to find their open windows. They “zoomed” to work and school and visited with distant family, found new careers, baked bread….A new normality awaits if we are open to change.”

A wonderful technique!

Jana says, ” Leaving the nest provides new opportunities, for thos emerging from its safety and for those left behind.”  She used netting t o create the leaves and stitched the veins with a thicker thread. It is a really effective technique that I had not seen before.

This quilt is based on the chemical symbol for THC, Tetrahydrocannabinol. Jane appliqued the hexagons and emphasized them with trapunto.

Barb captured Thunder Hole on Maine’s coast. The geographic feature creates a strong dramatic sound and sight when the tides crash against the land. It is a reminder that Mother Earth is a vibrant, living, changing home for all who live here.

Vicki used ombre fabrics and on-point blocks to encourage the eye to follow the movement of the waterfall.

This quilt was printed with a linocut made by Kathy in 2005. The fabric was dyed with Pebeo Setacolor fabric dye and hand quilted.

It’s the quilting!

I really liked the effects of the quilting on this piece. Judi stepped out of the box with her free-motion quilting.

The contrast of the curvy quilting in the red fabric and the straight-ish quilting in the grey accentuates the contrast between the fabrics even more.

Judi ignored the definite direction of the curves of the blue and green fabric pieces. Her quilting adds even more interest and delight for the eye by going in a whole new direction.

Diane says, “the motif in this quilt developed as the solution to pieced half circles that would not lie flat.” A quilter can always come up with a solution. And it might even be better than the original plan!

Simple piecing and fall color fills this quilt. Sharon made it in memory of her father, who’s birthday is in the fall. I absolutely love the quilting. It’s such a delightful contrast to the straight line piecing. For me, the fabric, colors, and piecing or applique grab my attention. But I love a happy surprise when I come closer to see the quilting!

I will share more quilts from this exhibit next week. Stay tuned for more inspiration!

by Mary Beth Krapil