It was such a beautiful Fall weekend. . . .No way did I want to stay inside. . . .
so we headed west to Monette, AR for the Second Annual Quilt Show
at the Buffalo Island Museum.
I attended and assisted in numerous quilt shows when I was a member of the National Quilting Association and lived within 30 miles of Little Rock, AR, where many of the national and state shows were held. When I moved to Virginia and worked at Colonial Williamsburg, I was fortunate to have viewed first hand many historic and rare quilts of our nation's founding families. . . .But, I was never more excited about a show than I was about this one. . . .
True, the patterns were the same as many elsewhere in the country. . . . and, most of the vintage quilts were made with the same type of patterned feed sacks that I've found in other states. . . .But, these quilts were made in the Delta, by women whose last names I recognized. . . .That makes them special to me. . . . .The Delta is where I was born and raised. . . . .My roots are here. . . .
At most quilt shows I've attended, the entries were hung one way or another on the wall or from poles. That's what I expected. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the ladies at the Buffalo Island Museum did things a little different--they incorporated the quilts into their museum displays. For me, it added so much more to the overall experience.
We were asked to vote on our favorite in each category--vintage, handmade, machine quilted, hand quilted, baby, and artistic. It was certainly very hard decisions. I walked through each division many times before I could decide.
The ladies allowed me to take photographs--probably a hundred or more shots. . . .
I'd love to show them all to you--but had to pick just a few. . . .
Be sure to read the comment on the one below. . . .It's priceless. . . .
Aren't they all beautiful?
Lots of skilled needlework went into each and every one . . . .
It was a perfect afternoon spent with the ladies at the Buffalo Island Museum.
What a wonderful Fall escape into the past.
We promised them we'd be back and tour the museum again. . . . .
I'm sure we missed a lot of local history and memorabilia under all those quilts. . . .
Hmmm. . . .I feel another road trip coming up. . . . Soon. . . .
Sharing with: Rural Thursday
This looked like a great show. I love that they mixed the quilts in with the Museum's displays. What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! When you were at Williamsburg did you happen to know a Mark Johnson? He is my ex brother-in-law and was a curator or art historian there. He was there for quite a few years. Wouldn't that be something if you did know him?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the first quilt you showed...I love the story about the the appliqued tulip quilt....those dang Yankees....LOL! TFS!
I agree, the displays dispersed among the other vintage/antique items adds to their beauty...
ReplyDeleteI just happened across your blog and am so glad I did! Our styles are very similar and I think I'll truly enjoy reading your past posts.
ReplyDeleteThese quilts are beautiful and such a wonderful expression of creativity.
ReplyDeleteThose are all lovely quilts! So pretty!! Love the way the museum has them displayed!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely!! It looks like it was an amazing show!
ReplyDeleteOld quilts always have a story, you can just feel the history ozzing out of them.
Thank you Dru for sharing your wonderful trip with us. So many amazing quilts!!!
ReplyDeleteblessings, jill
hello there, thanks for joining my blog and adding to your list! your blog has grown since you first introduced yourself to me !!! It is wonderful!!!!! smiles, Linda
ReplyDeleteBwahahaha! Damned Yankees.
ReplyDeleteThany you for posting these pics. It looks like it was a wonderful show. And I agree that displaying the quilts with the museum sets really helps to enhance their character.
~Cattus, Yankee with Jonesboro family. Heeheehee!
Must have been the weekend for quilt shows. I attended the show in Springfield, Missouri on Saturday. Lots of inspiration to be had.
ReplyDeleteI would have wanted to just stare at them for hours. I am always amazed at each detail, and thinking of the hands that worked on them. What dedication and love in each piece. And such an exciting way to look at history! They are beautiful, and I am so pleased you took such beautiful pictures to share. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Susie
so lovely. Looks like a great day. My friend and I did a display like this back in 1998. we used our own furniture and props, and set up rooms. It's something I'll never forget.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely outing. Looks just so special. Reminds me of a display my friend and I did back in 1998, we used our own vintage and antique furniture and props and set up roomsof house and decorated with quilts. Its something I'll never forget.
ReplyDeleteLovely quilts...I love going to quilt shows..my mother loved going, too and we went to quite a few. Her quilts were prettier than any I ever saw. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sparking memories.
xo bj
Such lovely quilts I wish I had that kind of talent.
ReplyDeleteThe displays were nice to see also.
Denise
I too would have enjoyed this I love the comment on the one quilt. I can imagine it hid away. These are beautiful and it reminds me how hard and how talented our ancestors were and how much they had to endure. We can learn a lot from these quilts. B
ReplyDeleteThere are so many beautiful quilts that were there! Neat post!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a wonderful way to display these very beautiful and treasured quilts ~ Sounds like a creative day for you ~ (A Creative Harbor)
ReplyDeleteLove that quilt with what looks like dill (it is in a couple of photos in the middle of your post).
ReplyDeleteUnique shows that are brave to display in a fun way are a wonderful treat.
Oh what a fantastic show. I just love every quilt I honestly have no idea what one I like better. B
ReplyDeleteThe quilts are beautiful. What a perfect venue for the display.
ReplyDeleteSo much time and patience to make these quilts. Truly all works of art.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing at Rural Thursdays.