The works in Quilt National '95 were chosen from more than 1,232 entries submitted by 613 artists in 18 countries. Each quilt in the exhibition was selected for its maker's mastery of technique, overall design and concept. Jurors also looked for clarity and a sense of cohesiveness, as well as depth of style, content, technique or emotion. There is something unique and intriguing about each piece.

Quilt making always has been a creative process, and today's art quilts have much in common with quilts made 100 years ago. Just as antique quilts at one time were considered original, bold and even controversial-such as "crazy" quilts that fit no category-today's art quilts are an expression of their makers' personal thoughts and feelings. Art quilt makers' responses to current issues keep their art form vital.

Contemporary quilters have many options. There are myriad surface design techniques, nontoxic dyes, revolutions in photo transferring and readily available hand-dyed fabrics. Through the use of burning, transparency, color removal, paint addition, surface design embellishments, stitchery and words, quilters create the essence of their work. Ideally, they chose each element of design and technique to create a language that supports their concepts. The dialogue presented, the interaction with viewers, distinguishes the best quilts and commands viewers interest and time.

The jurors for Quilt National '95 include: Ann Batchelder, editor of FiberArts Magazine; Libby Lehman, a studio artist whose quilts are in museum, corporate and private collections; Linda R. MacDonald, a fiber artist for over 20 years whose work has been shown extensively and included in the traveling show Craft Today U.S.A.

The full Quilt National '95 collection is documented in Quilt National: Contemporary Designs in Fabric, published by Lark Books, Asheville, North Carolina. The full-color hardbound volume includes photographs of all the quilts as well as statements by the jurors and artists. The book will be available at the Riffe Gallery during the exhibition.

The Riffe Gallery, operated by the Ohio Arts Council, showcases the work of Ohio's artists and the collections of the state's museums and galleries. The gallery is in the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, State and High Streets, Columbus, OH. Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11a.m.-7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 12-4 p.m. Admission is free. For information or to schedule a tour call the Riffe Gallery at 614/644-9624.

The Ohio Arts Council, a state agency established in 1965, is committed to the economic, educational and cultural development of the state. The Council believes the arts should be shared by the people of Ohio. The arts arise from public, individual and organizational efforts. The OAC supports and encourages those efforts.

# # #

[top]