Dear Suzanne,
SAQA MA/RI Regional Newsletter
February 2019
Be A Part of the SAQA 30th Anniversary Celebration!
On Saturday, March 17 at 1 pm there will be a panel discussion and reception at the New England Quilt Museum (www.nequiltmuseum.org), 18 Shattuck St., Lowell, MA marking the 30th anniversary of SAQA. Titled “Speaking Up: The Creative Power of Artists”, the program will consist of panelists who will discuss the challenges and rewards of using their work to initiate community conversations on important, complex, and sometimes controversial topics. This will be a wonderful local opportunity to celebrate this milestone SAQA anniversary!
SAQA President Lisa Walton to Teach at ProChem July 15-19, 2019
SAQA’s president Lisa Walton (https://lisawaltonartist.com/) is scheduled to teach a class at ProChemical and Dye (https://prochemicalanddye.net), 126 Shove St., Fall River, MA, titled “Permission to Play”, from July 15-19, 2019. Lisa is joining us from Australia. “Permission to Play” is an opportunity to play with a wide range of surface design tools and techniques. This 3-day workshop will explore color, textures and embellishments. It is suitable for all levels.
Skills learned will include:
- Stamp designing and making with compressed sponge and other stamp making materials
- Fabric painting, sun printing, manipulation, patterning, mark making
- Thermofax screen printing
- Stenciling
- Textured rubbings using a wide variety of natural and supplied surfaces
- Painted fusibles
- Foiling
- Deconstructed Screen Printing
SAQA MA/RI Venue Survey
You all should have received an email from the region requesting your participation in a Survey Monkey survey on possible venues in your area for the next MA/RI regional exhibition. If you have not already done so, there are still a few days left to submit your ideas to the regional exhibition committee. Your help will contribute in a big way toward the success of this next exhibit. The deadline for submission of your ideas on our next venue is Sunday, February 3, 2019. Please take a few moments and share with us some ideas you have for venues in or out of your area. Follow this link to complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZQ78XBQ. You could be suggesting the next venue!
SAQA MA/RI 2nd Regional Trunk Show: Flight of Ideas
Just a reminder that we are accepting entries for the MA/RI 2nd Trunk Show: Flight of Ideas. All MA/RI SAQA members, including members who have chosen MA/RI as second region, are eligible to enter. The deadline is May 31, 2019. The premier location will be at the Franklin Library, Franklin, MA, July 1 – 31, 2019. Other venues will follow. This traveling show will consist of small works sized 12” x 12” with a finished edge. Members may submit up to three works. This is a non-juried show. All works submitted will be exhibited. The purpose of the showcase is to demonstrate the vast individual techniques and talents of our regional membership, allowing them to exhibit their defining style in a small format. Contact Elaine Hickey at ehickey1202@gmail.com for a copy of the detailed Call for Entry document and entry form or obtain it from the SAQA website under Calls for Entry (http://www.saqa.com/calendar.php?ID=9).
Looking for Artists for the August 2019 Quilt Show at AYER LOFTS GALLERY
Here is a wonderful opportunity for an artist or an artist group (PODs and critique groups included). Tom Fiorelli of the Ayer Lofts Gallery is planning to have a quilt show next August 2019. The last show with Ellen Zellner was a raving success. This is a great opportunity for a group or an individual that would like to exhibit their work. For more information contact Tom Fiorelli at fiorellitom@yahoo.com.
MEETINGS IN 2019
Please remember that guests are always welcome at SAQA meetings. And don't forget to bring a sack lunch and something for show and tell.
Saturday, March 23, 2019, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Working with Fabric Paint, Gel Plates and Surface Design, ProChemical and Dye, 126 Shove St, Fall River, MA. (https://prochemicalanddye.net) The March meeting will be presented by Vicki Jensen and feature the use of PROfab Textile Paints used with Gel Plates as a fun, easy way to print on fabric. After a lecture comparing all the different fabric paints that PRO Chem makes and sells, Vicki will demonstrate numerous ways to create color, patterns and layering using the different Gel plates available. There will be time for some hands-on exploration after the presentation. If you want to participate, please bring two fat quarters of 100% cotton fabric, an apron, a couple of pairs of disposable gloves, a roll of plastic wrap/Saran wrap to cover each of your fat quarters and a small garbage liner or zip lock bag to transport your samples home in. If anyone would like to place an order for any supplies, to save on shipping and receive an additional 10% discount, please call Vicki at 800-228-9393 no later than Thursday, March 20th. There will also be time to shop in their new showroom as well to purchase the products presented in the program at a discounted price.
Saturday, June 1, 2019. Wayside Sewing, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, 1021 Boston Post Rd E, Marlborough, MA (https://www.waysidesewing.com/). Photographing Your Quilts with Sue Bleiweiss. Sue will explain in detail how to photograph your quilts for a Call to Entry, from interpreting the requirements, to taking the photo using your own camera, to file preparation, to submission of the entry.
Saturday, September 21, 2019. Blaine Sewing Machine Center, 1280 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston, RI. (http://www.blainesewing.net/) Nancy Messier will be our guest speaker. She will share with us her beautiful miniature quilts and discuss her process and experience in creating them.
Saturday October 26, 2019. A Studio Tour with Jeanne Marklin. Jeanne has a lovely separate studio space on her home property in western Massachusetts, close to the Clark Art Institute and only 10 minutes to MASS MOCA. We will learn the story of Jeanne’s creation of her separate studio, along with how she likes to work. Jeanne is currently on the SAQA Board of Directors and is chair of the SAQA Education Committee.
MA/RI LOCAL CONNECTIONS - Regional POD Meetings and Critique Groups
All members are welcome to go to these Critique and POD meetings. If you are interested in joining or forming a group, please speak with Margaret McGrath (mamcgrath27@gmail.com) or Suzanne Munroe (smunroe@cox.net) and we will try to help get things going.
The SAQA website offers a good article on “Local Connections” with ideas on activities including exploring online SAQA resources, a critique activity, and an artist statement writing exercise. Here is a link to the article: https://www.z2systems.com/neon/resource/saqa/files/Talk%20local%20connections%20final%20-Sonja%20Campbell.pdf
Cape Cod Pod
Meets the first Thursday of the month, 11 am - 1 pm, at Tumbleweeds Quilt Shop, www.tumbleweedquilts.com, 1919 Main St, Barnstable, MA The next regular meeting will Thursday, February 7, 2019. Contact Elaine Hickey for more information at ehickey1202@gmail.com.
Franklin, MA Critique Group
The next meeting is Monday, February 11, 2019 at 1 pm in Ashland, MA. If you live within reasonable driving distance and can meet regularly during the week day, please contact Margaret McGrath at mamcgrath27@gmail.com. We do much more than just critique. We would love to add new members. Try us out!
Rhode Island POD/Rhode Island Threads
The RI POD (Rhode Island Threads) will meet next on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 12:00 – 3:00 pm at Rogers Free Library, 525 Hope Street, Bristol, RI. RI Pod is welcoming new members. Bring your show & tell quilts finished, or in progress to each meeting, and your challenge quilt, if you want to participate in the challenge. If you are a SAQA Member in RI please consider joining us! Please RSVP to Sue Bates at sueoftheglen@gmail.com.
MA/RI Regional Blog
Contact Margaret McGrath at mamcgrath27@gmail.com to submit information. The blog reaches an audience wider than just our email, so it is a great way to connect with people outside of SAQA to build your audience. To read past entries going back to 2014 for ideas and inspiration click the following link: http://ma-ri-saqa.blogspot.com. The blog is a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the region if you are new. Who doesn’t love seeing photos of other artist’s studio and works in-progress. Give us news and photos of your exhibited artwork. Share your successes. Tell us about classes or workshops that you have planned. What can you share on the blog?
MA/RI Facebook Page
The SAQA MA/RI Facebook page is a closed page, only used and seen by members of SAQA MA/RI (including members who choose us as their second region). To join go to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/search) and enter “SAQA MA/RI Members” in your search box and click the join box on the page. This is a great place to get feedback on pieces you are working on, to announce exhibits you are taking part in, or get a group together for an outing. Thanks to Suzanne Munroe for managing this page!
EXHIBITS/RECEPTIONS
Guns: Loaded Conversations (a global SAQA exhibition), January 9 - April 6, 2019. New England Quilt Museum, (www.nequiltmuseum.org), 18 Shattuck St., Lowell, MA Today we find ourselves living in a society in which gun violence feels commonplace. Yet an enormous divide exists between people who cherish their heritage of gun ownership and others who are concerned about the rising tide of gun violence. Artists have been a catalyst for difficult societal conversations throughout history. “Guns: Loaded Conversations” seeks to engage viewers of differing opinions to listen to each other and to encourage community initiatives that may inspire action in seeking solutions. There will be a Brown Bag Lecture on March 7 at 12:30 pm featuring Ann Haaser of the Mother’s Dream Quilt Project. Created by Moms Demand Action, this quilt series reflects the human toll of gun violence in America and the mothers’ shared commitment to making the country safer for all children.
Speaking Up: The Creative Power of Artists, New England Quilt Museum (www.nequiltmuseum.org), 18 Shattuck St., Lowell, MA, Saturday, March 17, 2019 at 1 pm. This panel discussion and reception mark the 30th anniversary of SAQA. Panelists discuss the challenges and rewards of using their work to initiate community conversations on important, complex, and sometimes controversial topics.
Explorations: Journeys in Creativity, The Quilt Artist's Studio Part II April 2 - June 23, 2019. Artists Reception for Part II is April 6, 2019 from 1 pm to 3 pm. New England Quilt Museum, (www.nequiltmuseum.org), 18 Shattuck St., Lowell, MA. Hanging date is Monday, April 1, 2019. Twenty-four artists were chosen for two exhibits. Each artist was chosen to highlight a technique based on a portfolio and artist statements. Chosen artists are given six months to create a piece featuring their technique. Each piece will be accompanied by materials that will be displayed next to their piece, which detail and demonstrate their creative process. Members of SAQA MA/RI, VT/NH/ME and CT regions were invited to apply.
Context: Language, Media, and Meaning from the Surface Design Association, at the Fuller Craft Museum (https://fullercraft.org/), 455 Oak Street, Brockton, MA, October 27, 2018 – February 24, 2019. This is an SDA Regional Exhibit. Features the work of SAQA MARI member Carol Anne Grotrian.
Stepping Inside the Outside, Bristol Art Museum, 10 Wardwell Street, Bristol, RI (http://www.bristolartmuseum.org/), February 1 – March 10, 2019. Artists Reception is Friday, February 1, 2019 from 6 pm to 8 pm. A former carriage house, the light and airy gallery spaces in this museum promise to provide a unique setting for the quilts in the exhibit. Both of the jurors for exhibit, Mary Horrocks and Joshua Willis, will have works on display at this venue as part of the exhibit. This exhibit requires that artists step outside, literally, to observe this natural environment and then share the textures, colors and patterns as well as the emotions it evokes using fiber as the medium to communicate their vision.
Liberty and Justice: The Sweet to Satirical Art of Salley Mavor, Cotuit Center for the Arts (https://artsonthecape.org/), 4404 Falmouth Rd, Cotuit, MA. March 2 – April 20, 2019, Opening Reception – March 2, 1019, 5 – 7pm, Artist Talk – “Sweet to Satirical”, Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11:00 am. The exhibit is an opportunity to see a wide array of works by fiber artist and illustrator, Salley Mavor, who has recently added political satire to her list of subjects to explore. She uses small dolls as a metaphor for playing house in a safe controlled environment that has been taken over by outside political forces. The exhibit features a collection of photographs of scenes she created in a doll house and a stop-motion animated film, which satirize the current administration in Washington. The original dolls and props used in the film will also be on display. Although Salley Mavor’s foray into political art is the centerpiece of the show, the exhibition also includes original embroidered children’s book illustrations and other artwork from earlier in her 40-year career. The inclusion of these pieces tracks the evolution of her artistic journey from “innocence” to tackling real world issues.
Migration, Imago Foundation for the Arts (https://www.imagofoundation4art.org/), 36 Market Street, Warren, RI, March 14 – April 21, 2019, Opening Reception, Friday, March 15th, 6:00 pm. The multi-media group exhibit on the theme of migration includes the work of guest artist Salley Mavor. Four of her bas-relief embroidered pieces will be on display; Displaced, Cover Up, Whiskers and FaceTime.
Migration, The Umbrella Community Arts Center (https://theumbrellaarts.org/migration), 40 Stow St., Concord, MA. January 10 – February 28, 2019. Features a variety of artists who work in fiber, including SAQA member Valerie Maser-Flanagan. Opening reception is January 17, 2019 5:50 – 7:30 pm.
Big Impressions, Mini Art Quilts by Nancy Messier, New England Quilt Museum (https://www.nequiltmuseum.org/), 18 Shattuck St., Lowell, MA. January 15 – April 27, 2019. Features the mini art quilts of Nancy Messier.
Just For The Fun Of It: Quilts from the Pilgrim/Roy Collection, New England Quilt Museum (https://www.nequiltmuseum.org/), 18 Shattuck St., Lowell, MA. January 15 – March 30, 2019. Never been shown before, the quilts are best described by an expression from the Pennsylvania Dutch, Amish, and Mennonites “jus for purdy”. These quilts exhibit a particular point of view on the part of the maker. Some defy the conventional norms of their time, while other present a unique use of color. There will be a gallery talk with Gerald E. Roy on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 1 pm.
CALLS FOR ENTRY
If you know of any upcoming calls in our region (or outside of our region) please let Margaret know so that they can be included here every month. In addition, check out the SAQA website list of Calls for Entry for other opportunities.
Fantastic Fibers 2019, Yeiser Art Center, Paducah, Kentucky, Deadline: February 15, 2019. Fantastic Fibers is an international competitive exhibition that seeks to showcase a wide range of outstanding works related to the fiber medium. One of Yeiser Art Center’s most engaging, innovative, and colorful international exhibits, it is an inspirational “must see” for fine artists, quilters and textile art enthusiasts across the globe. For more information visit https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=5993.
Sapphire Celebration: Celebrating 45 years, Quilt Festival Houston, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX, and various locations. For more information: http://callforentriessapphire.com/. Deadline: February 18, 2019. Entries are quilts that speak to the theme of Sapphire (blue) quilts. Quilters have long used Sapphire (blue) to symbolize trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. It is often associated with depth and stability. A selection of Sapphire quilts will make a powerful statement as they celebrate their 45th anniversary as the largest quilt show, sale, and quilt-making academy in the United States. Any techniques—piecing, appliqué, embroidery, photo transfer, whole cloth and/or manipulated fabric, etc.—may be used as long as they are appropriate for the quilt and the theme.
3D Expression (SAQA Global - All members), For more information: http://www.saqa.com/calendar-detail.php?ID=5798, Deadline: February 28, 2019, Exhibition Policies and FAQs, or contact 3dexpression@saqa.com. This exhibit will feature contemporary 3D artworks exclusively. The 3D artworks may be, but are not limited to wearable art, dimensional quilted items, vessels, and sculptural works. Wall-hung artwork will be allowed but must be 3-dimensional per the depth requirements listed above. There will be no video submissions. Each accepted artwork will be displayed appropriately and to its best advantage. Be creative in showing how textile art can expand both into the third dimension and in the future. The work may be practical, infused with meaning, or decorative, but it must meet SAQA's definition of an art quilt. SAQA defines an art quilt as "a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure."
Upcycle! (SAQA Global - All members), For more information: http://www.saqa.com/calendar-detail.php?ID=6010, Quilt Festival Houston 2019, Houston, Texas, Deadline: March 31, 2019. Exhibition Policies and FAQs, or contact upcycle@saqa.com. Repurposing used materials is one of the most effective solutions there is to deal with today's environmentally devastating waste issues. Fiber art also has a rich tradition of incorporating elements that would otherwise be discarded by turning them into compelling compositions. Challenge yourself to make a work that either incorporates recycled materials, be it cloth or non-fiber items, or that represents such a process visually. Only wall-hung, two dimensional, representational or abstract work will be considered for the exhibit.
SAQA MA/RI 2nd Regional Trunk Show: Flight of Ideas, (All MA/RI SAQA members, including members who have chosen MA/RI as second region) Deadline is May 31, 2019. The premier location will be at the Franklin Library, Franklin, MA, July 1 – 31, 2019. Other venues will follow. This traveling show will consist of small works sized 12” x 12” with a finished edge. Members may submit up to three works. This is a non-juried show. All works submitted will be exhibited. The purpose of the showcase is to demonstrate the vast individual techniques and talents of our regional membership, allowing them to exhibit their defining style in a small format. Contact Elaine Hickey at ehickey1202@gmail.com for a copy of the detailed Call for Entry document and entry form or obtain it from the SAQA website under Calls for Entry.
Musica! (SAQA Global - All members), For more information: http://www.saqa.com/calendar-detail.php?ID=6011, National Quilt Museum, Paducah, KY, Deadline: May 31, 2019, Exhibition Policies and FAQs, or contact musica@saqa.com. Classic Greek Philosopher Plato said, "Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." The boundaries between music and art blur, as one becomes inspiration for the other. Both music and art can elicit emotion, create mood, evoke images, suggest movement, as well as reflect light, depth, and color. Over time many artistic practices and processes have been shaped by sound and visual expression. Pablo Picasso said, "To draw, you must close your eyes and sing." Artists are encouraged to explore the ways in which music can serve as inspiration for the creative process. Artwork may be two or three dimensional, viewed from one side, two sides, or any angle.
Eye Contact: Creating a Connection, Sacred Threads, Deadline May 31, 2019. Sacred Threads 2019 will have a special installation exhibit planned called “Eye Contact: Creating a Connection”. They are asking artists to make 23” x 5” pieces that feature eyes. Any fiber/mixed media technique and materials is allowed, finished using any method. No sleeves are needed. For more information visit http://sacredthreadsquilts.com/html/iseeyou.html.
Aloft (SAGA Global), Deadline June 30, 2019. AQS 2020 - various locations.
Insects, birds and even some mammals are able to fly or soar. Plant seeds are carried on breezes and by birds, while a soccer ball can fly down the field. Humankind has found ways to fly from Icarus’ attempt to create his own wings to the advent of mechanized flight, satellites, space exploration and cameras on drones that give us a new perspective on our world. We invite you to submit representational and abstract two-dimensional works of what it means to be aloft. This exhibition will premiere in 2020 at AQS. Exact dates TBD.
Opposites Attract (SAQA Global – All Members), Quilt Festival Chicago Spring 2020, Deadline: August 21, 2019. Opposing forces shape our reality in ways which are both readily apparent as well as hidden. All work included in this exhibit will explore a contradiction or an affinity, Yin and Yang, the irresistible force versus the immovable object and other “opposites”. The subject(s) can be simple or complex as the artist wishes to examine, but the focus of the piece will showcase the interplay of two contradictory components. Artists are challenged to resolve opposing ideas or items as they illustrate with their art, in figurative or abstract manner, a dichotomy of their choosing. For more information visit http://www.saqa.com/media/file/ExCom/Opposites%20Attract%20181206.pdf.
United We Quilt: Sewing Justice (online exhibition), Deadline: December 31, 2022.
A website that showcases a growing diverse online collection of quilted art and craft, all works focus on preserving our democracy, our Constitutional values, our compassion, and our place in the world – in response to the current Administration in Washington, DC. The goals are to inspire quilters to create and share work with this theme, invite viewers to share and engage, and to create a sense of community and hope, inspiring advocacy and engagement. For more information visit http://www.unitedwequilt.com/.
Ebb & Flow (SAQA Global – All members), International Quilt Festival Houston, Houston, TX - October 2020, Deadline: January 31, 2020. Tides are not the only things to Ebb and Flow: Many things in life and history demonstrate a recurring pattern of cycles and change, of growth and decline. From movements in history to the phases of our lives, the seasons, the position of the stars and planets, conversations, even the progression of a piece of music or literature, artists are invited to explore Ebb and Flow in a two-dimensional artwork. For more information visit http://www.saqa.com/calendar-detail.php?ID=6323.
Beyond the Mirror (SAQA Global – All members), International Quilt Festival Houston, Houston, TX - October 2020, Deadline: February 29, 2020. What do you see when you look in the mirror? In this digital age, we cannot escape our own images, whether taken as a selfie or found on social media. Does our image reflect our individual identity or do we see what we are conditioned by society to see? We need to look beyond the mirror to see our strength of character, intelligence, creativity, skills and our potential to be even more than what can be reflected. For more information visit http://www.saqa.com/calendar-detail.php?ID=6322.
WORKSHOPS/LECTURES
ProChemical & Dye, Fall River, MA (www.prochemicalanddye.com) We are fortunate to have a fantastic facility in our region with great multi-day workshops with nationally known teachers. Here are the remaining classes in 2019 that still have openings:
ProChem 2019 Visiting Artist Workshops:
April 4-5, 2019 Vicki Jensen | Getting Started with MX Dyes
April 15-19, 2019 Pat Pauly | On Your Mark --- Print!
May 13-17, 2019 Carol Soderlund | True Colors
June 10-14, 2019 Sue Beevers | Painted Wholecloth Quilts
July 15-19, 2019 Lisa Walton (SAQA President) | Permission to Play
July 29-August 2, 2019 Carol Anne Grotrian | Traditional Slow Stitch: Indigo Shibori &Boro
October 17-18, 2019 Vicki Jensen | Get Started Dyeing Wool and Animal Fibers
Teachers Directory at the New England Quilt Museum
If you would like to be included in the teacher’s directory at the New England Quilt Museum, contact them for a sign-up form. They request a letter of recommendation from a guild or organization for whom you have taught. Instructors who maintain membership to NEQM receive priority placement as the first listings in the directory and are among the first to be invited to present at Meet the Teachers events.
Other News
The 2019 SAQA Annual Benefit Auction
Be part of SAQA’s most-anticipated fund-raising event! Donate a 12 x 12-inch art quilt to our 2019 Benefit Auction to support our exhibition and outreach programs. The early bird deadline is March 1, 2019. The final deadline is June 1, 2019. The 2019 auction will take place online from September 13 through October 6, 2019.
How to Donate a Quilt to the Auction » Questions? Please email us at auction@saqa.com
For more information and a clear explanation of everything involved in putting on an exhibition, please view the following link: http://www.saqa.com/media/file/ExCom/Lifecycle%20of%20an%20Exhibition.pdf.
Renew your SAQA membership: www.saqa.com/joinUs.php?cat=56
Margaret McGrath
MA/RI Regional Co-Representative
Studio Art Quilt Associates
mamcgrath27@gmail.com
508 520-1501 h
774 571-3722 c
Suzanne Munroe
MA/RI Regional Co-Representative
Studio Art Quilt Associates
smunroe@cox.net
401-524-1608 c
www.suzannemunroe.com
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