More than two dozen patriotic textiles are now on display through mid-July at the Crawfordsville District Public Library. A limited amount of quilted works from the “Stars, Stripes, and Stitches: Celebrating America 250!” exhibit will be for sale during through the circulation department. This exhibit is sponsored by the Sugar Creek Quilters Guild and includes non-members.
“The quilts in this exhibit are more than functional artworks,” organziers said. “They tell visitors about personal histories, long-loved traditions, and provide a positive space to reflect on our past and future together as Americans.”
Mabel Plugel began creating squares for each of the 48 states’ flowers in 1946 and this year her granddaughter-in-law Laurie Hendrickson completed her project; 80 years in the making. Hearts go out to Specialist Matthew Curtis Frantz who lost his life in Iraq along with nearly everyone in his squad in 2006. His parents Jim and Marilyn commissioned a quilt that preserves his uniform, his imagery, and his dedication to freedom. Their family has served a total of 57 years and exhibit organizers recognize that they have made the greatest sacrifice to protect the nation.
This exhibit has many deeply personal stories but it also includes a wide variety of lighthearted interpretations and dedications to great monuments. As visitors move through the gallery, they will discover quilts that were began during the Civil War, traditional patterns anew, and great memorials to the protectors of freedom.
The Guild has shared its work with the community since the group was created and has exhibited its textiles at CDPL almost every year since 1995. Their themes have expanded far beyond early quilting concepts to include an array of imagery and text. The techniques used include machine-sewn, hand-sewn, and machine embroidered. Some of the items are quilted by hand, some by machine, and others on a long-arm sewing machine. They use a wide variety of fabrics including vintage cloth, reproduction fabric, and modern blends.
The Guild is continually accepting new members, advanced and beginners, all are welcome including guests. The Sugar Creek Quilters’ Guild meets on the third Monday of the month beginning with social time at 5:45 p.m. at the library. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by textile-based programs and show and tell featuring their members. To learn more about membership, contact the Guild by email at sugarcreekquilters@gmail.com. Be sure to follow them on Facebook to ensure the most up-to-date schedules and organizational details.
For more information about the library’s hours of operation or to view its calendar, visit online at crawfordsvillelibrary.in.gov.
If you are an artist or a member of an artists’ group and are interested in displaying work at the Mary Bishop Memorial Gallery in 2027-28, contact Toni the gallery coordinator at 765-362-2242 for more details.
