By Kathryn Fenstermacher | Echo
Hundreds of fabric scraps stitched together in a kaleidoscope of color. Wisps of tiny stitches-often hand-sewn-create subtle patterns across the surface. These and other techniques unique to the historic art of quilting are preserved for you to experience up close at The Quilters Hall of Fame in Marion.
The Quilters Hall of Fame (TQHF) celebrates quilting as an art form by honoring the lives and accomplishments of people who have made outstanding contributions to the world of quilting. Every year, TQHF inducts individuals into the Hall of Fame who have significantly influenced quilting in some way. For more than 30 years, TQHF has connected people who are passionate about quilting.
"In the quilting world, there are traditional patterns and then there are art quilts," said TQHF president of the board of directors Kathy Boxell. Traditional quilts, which we associate with bedspreads, are utilitarian; art quilts are designed purely for display. But both are created with beauty in mind. "As a quilter, you take a pattern . . . somebody else had created," Boxell said, "then (you choose your) own fabrics and colors."
This was the process involved in creating "Star Study," an exhibit currently on display at TQHF. The exhibit opened this month and will remain on display through July 20. The exhibit features 25 contemporary quilts inspired by traditional 19th century "Star Quilts."
TQHF hosts three rotating exhibits per year. They also host an annual celebration in honor of the year's new inductee. This year's celebration, to be held July 18-20, will include an induction ceremony for 2013 honoree Meredith Schroeder, lectures, workshops, exhibits, and vendors. Events will be spread among TQHF, Marion Public Library and McCulloch Junior High.
Celebration is TQHF's peak time for visitors, and Boxell expects a large turnout from Schroeder's home state of Kentucky. TQHF also receives visitors through their advertisement in AAA and through quilting events in the area. Last summer, a woman from Japanese quilting magazine Patchwork Tsushin visited to research and write an article on Marie D. Webster, a quilting entrepreneur whose Marion home now houses TQHF.
Although founded in 1978, TQHF had no permanent location until 1991 when Webster's granddaughter suggested purchasing the Marie Webster house for that purpose. The organization spent the next 13 years renovating the property, which had been slated for demolition. Today, a demure sign on the front lawn identifies the quaint yellow house as the official Quilters Hall of Fame.A group of volunteers, now known as the Marie Webster Quilt Guild, oversaw the renovation process. The Guild currently has 60 members, and the museum boasts 250 members. Although many members joined the Guild at its inception more than 30 years ago, those numbers continue to increase as younger members join. "We don't want (quilting) to die out," Boxell said. "It's just a matter of (finding) new people with fresh ideas."
Quilters have good reasons for keeping their art alive. A 1979 honoree and occupational therapist Dr. William Rush Dunton, Jr. promoted quilting during his practice because it helped patients relax and focus. "Quilting has that kind of calming effect," said Museum Manager Deb Geyer. "It's very good for people."
"Where some people read and relax, we sit down and sew and relax," Boxell agreed. "To go to the fabric store is therapy."
"The mission of The Quilters Hall of Fame is to celebrate quilting as an art form by honoring the lives and accomplishments of those people who have made outstanding contributions to the world of quilting; by restoration and preservation of the home of quilt designer Marie D. Webster in Marion, Indiana; by promoting public awareness of quilting through educational programs, exhibitions, publications and research; and by collecting, preserving and documenting materials related to the Honorees of The Quilters Hall of Fame."
Quilting can also lead to the practice of giving. Geyer enjoys quilting for charity. Besides the process of creating a quilt, her favorite part is giving away the finished product. "It makes me feel good to be able to give that to someone else," she said.
To help keep the practice of and appreciation for quilting alive, TQHF will host its first beginner quilting class June 15. Beginners of all ages are invited to attend. "It shouldn't be intimidating," Boxell said. "You have to look at the small pictures and look at each block, and take it just one step at a time."
The Quilters Hall of Fame is open to the public 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday through Saturday between April and December. Admission is $4 general, $3 for students and seniors, $1 for children ages six to 12 and free for children under the age of six.
For more information, call their office at 765-664-9333 or visit quiltershalloffame.net.
