October Art Exhibit

STOPPED IN MOTION: PANDEMIC ART QUILTS

“This is so much more than a round robin. It is a living journal chronicling the times and connection of our sisterhood.” —Victoria Drake

A group of fourteen women have produced a collection of art quilts, creating unique works and helping to strengthen the bonds of friendship. This round robin quilt project began in August 2019, to honor one member’s mother, but evolved to become a support system during the isolation and challenges of the pandemic.

Fondly referred to as the Stitch & Bitchers, this group has been gathering for many years. Originally connected through their work in the live-action and stop-motion animation film industry, these women found their way together through a shared desire to make art and foster friendship. Some of the contributors had never sewn prior to this project, while others are skilled seamstresses and embroiderers. 

Round robin quilting is a collaborative project where the ‘owner’ makes the first section, followed by each member of the group contributing a piece. For this project, the artists agreed that there would be no rules, allowing for out-of-the-box interpretations. These art pieces are one-of-a-kind and lovingly worked on by the fourteen participants; none would be called ordinary.

THE ARTISTS

Susie Alegria, Leigh Barbier, Jean Bolte, Jessica Cadkin, Victoria Drake, Peggy Hrastar, Christine Lashaw, Terry Molatore, Sarah Pyle, Ellen Ridgway, Gretchen Scharfenberg, Julie Slinger, Lauren Vogt, Melanie Walas