Doongalik Studios Village Road announces the Official Opening of its first Exhibition for the year entitled “Variations on A Theme” – a unique quilt Show organized by Sarah McClean and Jan Eliot showcasing the artwork of 10 quilters on Thursday, February 24 from 6-9pm. The Exhibition will remain open until March 18, Monday-Friday from 9am – 6pm.
Following closely behind the popular annual Stepping Stones Quilt Show, this Exhibition attempts to raise the bar. The organizers sent out an open invitation to all quilters from the various quilting guilds on the island challenging them to choose a photograph as the inspiration for a theme and to develop four 16″x 24″ quilts as hanging artwork that would be based on variations of this theme. The majority of the quilts will be for sale.
Sarah has exhibited quilts for many years at the International Quilt Show in Houston, Texas and has been a finalist three times and one of Jan’s quilts was accepted for last year’s NE5 Show at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. Sarah commented that this encouraged her to examine more closely the thin line between craft and fine art. “By designing this challenge we wanted to move quilting to another level here in The Bahamas. We encouraged the quilters to push the boundaries beyond the traditional, to try new techniques and take creative risks.”
“We were more than happy to accommodate their vision,” added Gallery Manager Pam Burnside. “Having trained as a textile/fashion designer, I have wanted to hang a quilt exhibition at Doongalik for many years as the Gallery is a perfect venue for this. I am so pleased that the quilters have continued to thrive here and as quilting is being afforded more coverage in Galleries and Museums world wide it is only fitting that we celebrate this design talent existent in our country as well.”
The quilters will be present to talk about their artwork at the Opening and schools are encouraged to make an appointment to bring their students on field trips. They may contact the Gallery at 394-1886. Persons interested in more information about quilting classes can contact Sarah at 456-1591.
