Petersburg Area Art League in Old Towne presents exhibition of art quilts in two galleries
PETERSBURG — Looking for an indoor activity? Don't miss the exhibition of art quilts at Petersburg Area Art League in Old Towne.
"Let the Sun Shine In!" is a juried compilation representing hopeful emotions surrounding the recovery felt during the global COVID-19 crisis, resulting shutdown and reopening, and "Reflections" is a regional showcase reflecting the rich and diverse worlds of Virginia and North Carolina: the colors, shapes, textures, natural environments, structures and cultures.
The exhibition showcased in Petersburg Area Art League's [PAAL] galleries runs through Saturday, August 5. "Let the Sun Shine In!" is in the main gallery downstairs and "Reflections" is upstairs in the members gallery. Admission is free, and the PAAL building is equipped with an elevator.
"'Let the Sun Shine In!' is about hope in the face of COVID and the seclusion that was brought on by COVID," Lisa Mistry, artist and PAAL board member, said. "Ann Flaherty, the coordinator of this show, was inspired by the fact that she had lost her mother during COVID and wanted to honor her."
"Considering the difficulties that so many of us have experienced, I'm drawn to the wisdom my mother often imparted: 'In the darkest of times, the sun will still rise in the morning,'" Flaherty shared. "She taught us that there is always hope."
"Ann's quilt 'Ma Said So' is her homage to her mother," Mistry said.
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According to Mistry, the quilters participating in "Reflections" were inspired by their environment, where they live and work as well as the beauty in their particular areas. The exhibit will be traveling to Chicago, Ill. next.
The "Reflections" exhibit is by members from the Virginia and North Carolina regions of the Studio Art Quilt Associates [SAQA] who are dedicated to presenting thought-provoking, cutting-edge artwork to venues across the globe.
SAQA members challenge the boundaries of art and change perceptions about contemporary fiber art. Artwork by their members has been enjoyed by millions of people at art museums, galleries, quilt shows and regional locations - over 250 venues on six continents.
Quilter Inge Killingsworth and her friend Therese Quidato, both of Sutherland, loved the exhibition.
"This exhibition is wonderful. I just had to see it," Killingsworth said. "I've made quilts, placemats and other things. My first one was a sampler back in the '80s."
PAAL's gallery hours are Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. It is located at 7 E. Old Street across the street from the iconic octagonal-shaped Farmers Market building. Follow Petersburg Area Art League on Facebook, and visit paalart.org for more information. Read this story at Progress-Index.com to watch a video to see some of the amazing works of fiber art.
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This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg Area Art League: Exhibition of art quilts in two galleries
