“Phenomenal” is not a word I use lightly. The National Quilt Museum, in Paducah, Kentucky, deserves the description.
According to its website, the National Quilt Museum “works to advance the art of today’s quilters by bringing it to new and expanding audiences worldwide.”
This is not the place to look for antique quilts. Instead, expect to see the work of extraordinary contemporary quilters. Some are inspired by traditional patterns; others develop totally original designs and techniques.
I noticed two things in particular during my recent visit. Visitors often felt compelled to speak to strangers: “Did you see such-and-such?” or “Isn’t that one amazing?”
It was also common to hear murmured exclamations of “Oh my God!” (or similar sentiments) when a visitor discovered some particularly astounding quilt.
One exhibit prompting such astonishment, aptly named “OH WOW!”, was a collection of miniature quilts. To be included, a quilt must be no more than 24″ on a side.
To give you a sense of scale:
I can’t imagine working with such tiny pieces! These quilts are made the same way full-sized quilts are; only the scale is different. Phenomenal.
I’m grateful to the National Quilt Museum for permitting photography. Nothing compares, however, to seeing the quilts for real. I hope you can visit the museum yourself!
August 30, 2019 at 11:19 am |
I live close to the Quilting Museum in Paducah and have gotten the opportunity to not only visit but to help work the big quilt week held in April of each year. I am always so blown away by the beauty of the quilts
August 30, 2019 at 11:52 am |
Ooh, envy, Johnna! My sister and I were reflecting about how awesome it would be to live close enough to visit often. Knowing that the exhibits frequently change has us itching to return. And I can only imagine that the big quilt week is an awesome experience!
August 30, 2019 at 12:08 pm |
Oh yes, this is wonderful My friend and I, not quilters, ooohed and aahed our way through this wonderful museum.
August 30, 2019 at 12:17 pm |
Lois, my sister and I did the same thing! I’ve done a bit of quilting, but nothing anything like the artistry on display.
August 31, 2019 at 5:37 am |
Wonderful pictures. Must share with quilter friend. Thank you.
September 1, 2019 at 1:10 pm |
So glad you enjoyed the armchair visit, Liz! Thanks.
December 8, 2020 at 11:22 am |
I am a senior vraft art artist, LATELY I HAVE BEEN working ln art quilts no sewing on fabric printing sheets handpainting and frantic flu !!
F V ART. Francisco Vallejo.