I don't know what it is with me a timing lately. This is the third art exhibit that I've intended on seeing and finally end up there on the final weekend of the show.
"Going West! Quilts And Community" at the Renwick Gallery is a collection of 50 quilts from the mid 19th through the early 20th centuries around the theme of migration westward. The works run the gamut of quality and creativity. Considering that the quilt is first and foremost a utilitarian form of artistic expression, the works in this exhibition also cover the spectrum of wear and tear.
As a body of work, the history of the fabrics, motifs, and techniques were far more interesting than the actual designs with one notable exception: embroidery. Many of the quilts feature some of the finest quality hand embroidery that I've ever seen.
If you missed the show, there is a fine catalogue which will continue to be available after all the quilts are safely returned to the myriad of tiny museums and historical societies scattered across the plains states.
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