BY PAUL STANSBURY

Contributing writer 

The Community Arts Center’s Lunch with the Arts program this month will explore the amazing artistry and appeal of quilting. On Wednesday, June 14, Joni Morgan will present “From Traditional to Contemporary: A Quilt Artist Speaks.” Morgan will show some of her contemporary quilts, as well as traditional quilts from the central Kentucky area.

Morgan is a local quilt artist who began her own quilting journey in 2004, when the local fabric shop became a quilt shop. With her skills in garment sewing, she realized quilting was a short step away in trying something new at the sewing machine.

“Through the art of quilting,” she says, “I am able to transform cloth into my designs by cutting, stitching and arranging the fabric to be completely my own style. It was an ‘Ah-ha’ moment for me when I realized I didn’t have to follow a pattern to make a quilt. My quilting art has ventured away from the traditional sense of the word ‘quilt.’ While my quilts will still keep you warm, my style adds an array of color, shape and movement that takes my quilting beyond the blanket.”

Quilting has a long and rich history. The earliest known depiction of quilted garments may be found on a carved ivory figure of a Pharaoh dating from the ancient Egyptian First Dynasty. What started out of necessity many years ago has evolved into the popular hobby and art form it is now.

Quilting appeals to people of all ages and walks of life. And while quilting may be perceived as a hobby for women, many men enjoy the activity also. A recent Quilting in America™ survey, reported by Quilts, Inc., also shows that there are more than 16 million active quilters in the country. That means one out of every 20 Americans quilts.

Joni draws her designs from many sources, including older quilts, nature and photographs. “I find inspiration in many places. Sometimes it is the print of the fabric that speaks, sometimes it’s two colors that land next to each other on my cutting table. I try not to let that inspiration get away and will store images of design elements by photo or drawing. I keep a notebook filled with sketches, clippings and thread patterns that I may use in the future. This book gives me a jumpstart when creating a design or adding to an existing piece of work that needs completion.”

Joni has had numerous quilts accepted in national quilt shows and several quilts have been published in quilt books. She has given trunk shows and presentations to quilt guilds and has taught some of her methods of quilting in classes. QuiltLikeaHipsterwas a solo exhibition by Joni at the Community Arts Center in June/July of 2015.

“I love sharing my passion of quilting and style with others,” says Joni. “I love telling the story of my journey as a quilter as I present a trunk show of my work or as I walk through a gallery showing of my quilts. I love to teach quilting and my alternative methods of piecing. I encourage students to try these techniques, all the while stressing there are no mistakes, only opportunities to make designs of their own. I love teaching because I learn so much from my students.”

Online:

sundayfarmingquilter.blogspot.com

http://instagram.com/sundayfarmingquilter?modal=true 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRV7AgO4EGY

IF YOU GO

Lunch with the Arts

Featuring Joni Morgan

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Noon – 1 p.m. at the Community Arts Center

$7 at the door

On Exhibit through July 29

Expressions in Color – a three-woman group show featuring artwork by Donna Fogacs, Sarah Wiltsee, and Barbara Lockhart.

Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm

Suggested donation $5

Coming Up

Beginner Ceramic Workshops

Registration for each workshop is $30 per person and may be completed online at www.communityartscenter.net/ceramics-program

Lotus Candle Holder – Saturday, June 17 | 10am to 11:30am
Ceramic Woven Basket  – Wednesday, June 21 | 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Ceramic Wall Vases – Saturday, June 24 | 10am to 11:30am

Starry Night Studio: van Gogh’s Starry Night

Tuesday, June 13 | 6:30pm to 9:30pm | $35
Try your hand at recreating van Gogh’s iconic masterpiece, following step-by-step instructions from a professional artist. Register online at www.communityartscenter.net

Starry Night Studio: Paisley Fun

Wednesday, June 28 | 6:30pm to 9:30pm |$35

This whimsical and colorful painting allows lots of room for creativity. Starry Night Studio is a social painting experience – perfect for a summer girls’ night out! Register online at www.communityartscenter.net

Rainforest Adventure Camp – June 12 to 16

Fabulous Food Art – July 17 to 26

Take Flight – July 24 to 28

Camps for rising 2^nd through 6^th graders

9am to 12pm OR 1pm to 4pm | $100 per camper

Register online at www.communityartscenter.net

Ceramic Butterfly Workshop

Saturday, July 22 | 10am to 11:30am

$30 per person | grades K-8

Kids will work with a professional artist to create a 7” butterfly bowl that is as unique as they are! Register online at www.communityartscenter.net

Ceramic Castle Workshop

Wednesday, July 26 | 3pm to 4:30pm

$30 per person | grades K-8

Students will create their own medieval tower, complete with stairwells, windows, and drawbridges! Register online at www.communityartscenter.net