Sacred Threads Exhibit
Reynoldsburg, Ohio
On my trip to the Columbus, Ohio area, I was encouraged
by Vikki Pignatelli to visit the Sacred Threads Exhibit of quilts. It was on the
list of quilt events around the area, but I had no idea if it was close to where
I was going to be….so through a couple emails, Vikki said, "Oh yes it is not far
out of your way coming from Quilt National in Athens going to Columbus." I am
certainly glad that I made the slight detour to see this wonderful exhibit!
Described as "A National Exhibition of 175 quilts exploring
the themes of Spirituality, Inspiration, Healing, and Grief," Sacred Threads was a
most powerful exhibit. It was established to "provide a venue for quilters of all
faiths who see their work as a connection to the sacred and/or as an expression of
their spiritual journey." The "objective is to create a dignified exhibition of
artwork that touches on both spiritual and personal levels for all those who view it."
Each artist created their piece and wrote a personal
statement. I set out to read all 175 statements. Then I soon realized that through
my tears I was not going to be able to see to read them all, and I would have need
a couple days to really absorb all of the quilts and their stories. Even though
the messages in the quilts and the statements were deep emotions, there was a sense
of peace as I wandered through the quilts. It was like in making the quilts and
writing the statements, the artists had come to some sort of healing or awareness
of the events surrounding the reasons for the quilts. The room where the quilts
were hung was mostly quiet as the viewers absorbed the information encompassing
each of the quilts. It was sort of like being in a sacred place.
The quilts were incredible: techniques and styles varying
from each other, different sizes, but all conveying the same message you can impart
your message through your work. The messages were strong and powerful. The response
from those viewing the quilts was just as strong and powerful.
I have to thank Vikki for encouraging me to visit this
biennial exhibition, and I would recommend that you plan a trip to Central Ohio
for the next Sacred Threads Exhibition. I have included some sites that have
information about Sacred Threads and pictures of some of the quilts.
©2003 Dori Hawks
www.thequiltercommunity.com
www.ocucc.org
www.withsacredthreads.com
http://home.att.net/~sacredthreads/
http://home.att.net/~vikkipm/
Several Quilts from the exhibit:
("Resting Place" by Vikki Pignatelli shown above)
"A Mother and Three Daughters" by Cynthia Tabor |
A Detailed View |
"Symmetry" by Barbara Watler |
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"Across My Art" by J. Bruce Wilcox |
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"Flower Garden" by Caryl Schuetz |
A Detailed View |
"Gale Warning" by Dana Lacy Chapman |
A Detailed View |
"Matriarch" by Betty Pillsbury |
A Detailed View |
"Rocks in the River of my Life" by Lesley Hill |
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