Pattern, Rhythm, and Play Exhibition
Cedarburg, Wis. – Stunning Quilts from WMQFA’s Collection in New Exhibition
The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts (WMQFA) is excited to showcase twenty-five unique and stunning quilts from its collection in the exhibition "Pattern, Rhythm, and Play,” which will run at the museum from August 3 through December 1, 2024. This exhibition demonstrates how historical quilt makers have ingeniously used the fundamental elements of pattern, shape, line, and color to create individual interpretations of traditional quilt patterns. Throughout the ages, quiltmakers have manipulated these building blocks with their own creativity and sense of design.
The exhibition features a variety of quilt styles, from pieced, block-style patterns like a striking Yo-Yo quilt to allover-style patterns like two dynamic Ocean Wave quilts. WMQFA Senior Curator Emily Schlemowitz describes the quiltmakers' hands as having produced enormous complexity and a sense of play while relying on simple shapes.
“Pattern, Rhythm, and Play” presents a unique opportunity to see quilts from WMQFA's outstanding textile collection. Nearly all of the quilts on view have never been shown before and represent the museum's collecting history, including some of its earliest collections and most recent acquisitions. WMQFA cares for over 800 quilts, and the museum's Acquisitions Committee is constantly seeking fine examples of existing quilt styles and new finds.
Support for this exhibition is provided by the Wisconsin Arts Board—National Endowment for the Arts.
Selected from Works from the Exhibition
Log Cabin, Light and Dark Setting, artist unidentified, c. 1890; cotton, muslin, and wool batting. Hand quilted with stuff work. Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts Collection.
Hexagon, Trip Around the World, artist unidentified, c. 1955; cotton; hand pieced and quilted. Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts Collection.