Stitched Treasures: The American Quilt

October 19 – November 25, 2023

Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is gearing up for the cool weather with a cozy new art exhibition ‘Stitched Treasures: The American Quilt’. Partnering with the Tidewater Quilters’ Guild, www.tqgva.org, we are delighted to feature one-of-a-kind quilts created by sixteen of their members. The exhibition is on display from October 19 – November 25, 2023, and all are welcome to attend the opening reception on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM in Suffolk Center’s TowneBank Gallery.

Quilting, a process of joining layers of fabric together either through stitching manually or mechanically using needle and thread, has been in use for centuries. This exhibition will feature the American quilt and its respective techniques and the meaning of various patterns. The exhibit will shed light on the American wholecloth quilt made during the colonial period as well as the patchwork quilt, which dates back to the 1770s.

“Historically quilting has always been a way to make a useful item in a creative way. While quilters no longer always make quilts as utilitarian items, quilting feeds a need to show your creativity and skill. It uses both artistic and mathematical skills, and the quilt can have many purposes. A quilt can be made to honor someone, keep a loved one warm, look to the future or past, repurpose/reuse, or be therapy for the maker. My reason for quilting is to use my creative talents to bring joy to others.” shared quilter, Norene Skiles.

Tidewater Quilters’ Guild Artists featured in Stitched Treasures:
Deb Garrett: Chesapeake
Bunnie Cleland: Chesapeake
Darlene Price: Chesapeake
Faye Hannah: Chesapeake
Laura Storm: Norfolk
Karin McElvein: Norfolk
Debby Coleman: VA Beach
Susan Newsome: VA Beach
Sharon Brandt: VA Beach
Norene Skiles: VA Beach
Debra Wiley: VA Beach
Ann Walls: VA Beach
Angela Cartwright: VA Beach
Charlene Freeland: VA Beach
Nancy Gorry: VA Beach
Jackie Gaskins: VA Beach

Founded in 1979, the Tidewater Quilters’ Guild provides educational programs and workshops in various techniques relative to the needs of those interested in the art of quilt making and similar arts; to educate the public about this fine art; to preserve the tradition, culture and history of quilts. Guild members gather to learn new techniques, improve general workmanship, share knowledge and their quilts, participate in community service projects and enjoy friendships with others who share their love of quilting.