The third installation of exhibits for the 2017 Virginia Quilt Museum will take place from Sept. 5-Dec. 16.

“Heritage Redefined” curated by Susan Emory

Quilting has a rich heritage in Virginia — over the years Virginia quilters have made whole cloth, medallion, Amish quilts and art quilts. According to a press release, Broderie Perse and crazy quilting have been popular in the mid-Atlantic region and recently modern quilting has seen an upsurge. 

“Among the numerous forms of modern quilting, look for alternate grid work, applique, foundation piecing, improvisational quilting and modern traditionalism — the updating of classic quilt designs,” officials said in the release. “This juried exhibit showcases a compilation of modern quilts from across Virginia.”

“Treasures From the Vault: Quilts From the VQM Collection

The quilts included in this exhibit are from the 18th and 19th centuries. 

“The elegant stitching has all been done by the hands of Virginia quiltmakers of both urban and rural areas and features diverse quilting designs,” officials said in a release. “Hand quilting has always been prized as a talent, with ten stitches or more per inch considered museum quality.”

“13 Perspectives” curated by Trudi Van Dyke

The 13 members of New Image Artists exhibit new work created for the Virginia Quilt Museum. “These juried contemporary fiber artists are nationally and internationally exhibited and collected,” officials said in the release. “Curator Trudi Van Dyke seeks to engage and educate visitors with the depth and breadth of modern quilting.”

The release cited mastery of traditional as well as innovative techniques and materials provide a rich tapestry of visual excitement and stretch the definition of quilting.

“From Ma-Ma’s Garden to the Wheel of Fortune” curated by Pat Sloan

Sewing since she was a child and quilting for more than 20 years, Pat Sloan eventually looked to her craft as a business. The release cited she’s now a quilt and fabric designer, teacher, author and quilting show host.

She says of herself, “I have a passion for creating and quilts are my medium.”

Her exhibit’s title quilts are the book-ends in her spectrum of work, ranging from the signature “Ma-Ma’s Garden,” to her newest improv, “Wheel of Fortune.”  The release cited her intent is to display an equal number of quilts that are patterns and the ones she does for fun. 

“This exhibit thus offers a look at Pat’s published work in her characteristic pieced and applique style, then gives the visitor a peek behind the scenes at the ‘fun’ quilts she makes in her improvisational style,” officials said in the release.

Events for Exhibit Phase III will be held Sept. 16., with a Violet Crast lecture, “Design is Everywhere.” A Phase III Artist’s reception will be held Sept. 23. “Quilts About Town,” will be held Oct. 2-14 in downtown Harrisonburg and tea with Mary Kerr will be held at the George Washington Hotel on Dec. 3 in Winchester.