Experience the power of modern quilting in an exhibition of 60 innovative and inspiring quilts that represent the best of the past decade. “Modern Quilts: Designs of the New Century” is on exhibit June 1 through August 25, 2019 at the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher building in Bellingham, Wash. The show is curated by the Modern Quilt Guild (MQG) and offers the opportunity to learn the history of modern quilting from its earliest roots to its influence today within the arts community. “This exhibition is important because it shows not only the influence of the historic tradition of quilting, but it also shows how modern quilters are breaking new ground and continue to create a new aesthetic,” said Patricia Leach, Executive Director of the Whatcom Museum. “These are not your grandmother’s quilts.” In addition to the unique display of quilts, the Museum will also feature a variety of hands-on activities inside the gallery for visitors of all ages. Workshops, lectures, and other featured events will provide opportunities for Museum visitors to connect more deeply to the exhibition, and to learn about the modern twist to this ancient craft. “We are thrilled to share this exhibit with the Whatcom Museum,” says Heather Grant, director of marketing and programming for MQG. “This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see some of the best modern quilts being made today.” Modern quilts express today’s aesthetic through a generations-old traditional craft, embracing modern design while honoring the past. Over several decades, modern quilts have evolved into their own unique branch of quilting. From the graphic work of Amish quilters to the legendary quilts of Gee’s Bend, modern quilts have been influenced by many hands and voices. Today they embody the best of functional art and design, featuring graphic color palettes, bold design elements, expansive negative space, and alternate gridwork while maintaining traditional quilt construction: three layers bound together by quilting.
