Exhibition of Contemporary Quilts Opening in Lancaster on Oct. 3

Artist and Ohioan Nancy Crow makes incredible quilts that push the boundaries of the traditional and personal art form. She also curated the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio’s upcoming exhibition, “Color Improvisations 3,” which opens Oct. 3 and features 38 large-scale, machine-pieced quits from artists across the United States, Canada and New Zealand. 

The show highlights the innovation and artistic precision reflected in today’s contemporary quilt-making. Rather than beginning with a predetermined pattern or design, these works are freeform. Artist cut shapes and and lines from fabric and arrange and rearrange them until the composition fits just the right visual tone.

“These artists work like a painter in that they approach a large wall, which is their blank canvas,” Crow said in an Aug. 13 press release announcing the exhibition. “All have a large palette of fabrics, colors (akin to paint) in shades from very dark to light.”

Over nearly five decades, Crow achieved international acclaim with her quilts. She still has a studio and a classroom on her 218-acre farm near Columbus. There, she makes her own works and advises other artists by way of educational programs. A Fellow of the American Craft Council, Crow has also received the Ohio Arts Council’s individual Artist’s Fellowship twice. The James Renwick Alliance, which is associated with the Smithsonian Institution’s Renwick Gallery, has named Crow a master of her medium in textiles.

Set within the city of Lancaster’s historic Reese-Peters House, “Color Improvisations 3” fits the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio’s aim to recognize creativity, craftsmanship and those who turn traditional materials into works of contemporary art. Presented concurrently with “Color Improvisations 3,” which runs through Jan. 3, “Putting the Pieces Together: Introduction to Design and Color“ presents the principals of quilt-making. The exhibition also invites attendees to explore their own design skills. 

“Using an interactive media program, visitors will be invited to test their understanding of tools they have seen and create their own quilt square,” exhibit designer William Mahon said in the Aug. 13 press release. “Once they complete their square design, they will be able to explore a palette of color options and download their creation.”

For more information visit decartsohio.org.

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