Now on display in San Jose

One of my New York Beauty quilts is still in California, but not because it was forgotten. This rescue quilt, dramatically missing two large chunks, is now on display at the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles as part of the "Quilt Detective: Fake, Fraud or Finished?" exhibit.

photo courtesy of San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

The quilt was not part of my recent exhibition at the museum, but I shared it during the supporters' dinner at Nancy Bavor's house in September. I was trying to emphasize the importance of museums like the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, especially the importance of museum supporters. Without these museums, our quilts could end up like this damaged masterpiece.

There's a certain amount of shock value involved whenever I open up the damaged quilt and show it to unsuspecting quilt lovers. It was especially dramatic to see it after spending the afternoon leading a gallery tour of the 35 quilts, most of which were in very good condition. Seeing the reaction to the quilt at the supporter's dinner, the museum staff asked if it would be OK to hold on to it for the "Quilt Detective" exhibit, and I happily agreed.

photo courtesy of Nancy Bavor, San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

Finally this quilt, which was not included in either of my two exhibitions, will have its day in the sun! It's hanging right where the Cinco de Mayo was during my exhibition, and it really jumps out on that dark wall. According to the museum staff, visitors are very enthralled with the quilt. It captures the imagination. In my experience, that's always been the type of reaction I get when I show it.

"Quilt Detective: Fake, Fraud, or Finished?" is on display at the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles through January 19th, 2014. For more information, click here.