Picture from last night - Thank you guys!

Call for Entries - Colors of Maui Quilt Exhibit

"Colors of Maui" Exhibit Guidelines

Open to residents of Maui County who are active members of the Maui art quilters group by June 1, 2008:

1. Quilts to be a minimum of 40 inches square.
   
2. Maximum would be 60 inches wide (horizontal) by 7.5 feet long (meaning tall or vertical measurement).
3. Quilts will be submitted for a special exhibit to Mancuso, Inc. for the Pacific International Quilt Festival October 14-17, 2010. BTW this is one of the most difficult shows to get into.
   
4. Regarding exhibiting prior to PIQF - this is all right as long as it is not close to the PIQF show.
5. At this time Each person may exhibit one quilt. There is a high demand for space at this show. You may of course, enter quilts into their regular categories for the general show (There are good prizes there) at the same time.
6. We pay the shipping there and they pay the return shipping.

We are going to use the standard definition of a "quilt" for this show - it must be three layers held together with stitching (either by hand or machine). Tied quilts will not be accepted. A 4" sleeve must be sewn to the top of the quilt, and a label with the quilt name, maker's name and address, must be affixed to the lower right hand corner of the quilt (as you are looking at the back).

The "Colors" parameters are these: the quilt must be composed of 70-80% one color (and it's various tints and shades) - the other 20-30% can be any array of colors, so you are not limited to one color. You want to look at the quilt and it should say "gold" "green" "red" etc.

The color choice(s) of your quilt are completely up to you. It will be a good exercise for all of us in the use of value. It's also a great opportunity to swap fabrics with friends and within the group - say you choose red, but you only have a few dark values - put the call out and swap with others in the group (and anywhere else!).

Please be prepared to share your color choice(s) at the upcoming February and March meetings - this will give us an idea if we are getting a good variety. You will not have to change your chosen colors, but it would be helpful if we were heavy in one color to possibly make a second quilt in another.

You may submit up to three quilts, keeping in mind that only one will be selected for the PIQF show, but we will be working hard to get other exhibit opportunities where more quilts can be showcased.

We will be talking about all of these parameters in the upcoming months, so if you need help with something, please ask.

I think that's all for now. If I've missed anything, please let me know!

Call for artwork

Seeking submissions from fiber artists residing in the USA and 18 years of age and older for the 2008 National Small Art Quilt Works Exhibition (fifth year running) (July 25 - August 31, 2008). Work may not be larger than 16 inches by 20 inches in dimension. All artwork must be for sale. Gallery commission is 40% of retail price. Jpeg or gif image (PC compatible) must measure no larger than 7 inches by 10 inches and 72 dpi. Slides must be 35 mm, 2" x 2" in cardboard or plastic mounts. Awards. Insurance on premises only. Entry fee.

For a prospectus send an SASE to:

Main Street Gallery
105 Main St
Box 161
Groton NY 13073

Idea for group project

I like the theme "Hawaiian Influences."  It embodies the notion that we are unique by being in Hawaii yet not Hawaiian, it gives us a chance to think about how our work has been influenced by the culture/landscape here, and it may have a mainland appeal.  If I were to make something based upon this theme, I'd do something patterned like the tribal tattoos that are the rage now-a-days.  Robin

Five Ideas for a Creative 2008

1. Go to Your Idea Pile. We all have them. The stash of inspirational sketches, magazine pages, books, patterns, catalogs, etc. for "another day." How long has it been since you actually looked through it? If you're like me, it's been years. So long, in fact, that my tastes have changed considerably since the pile began. Find something you've been meaning to start "someday" and work on it now. Today is the day.
   
   
2. Join a Professional Organization. Visit Studio Art Quilt Associates and the Surface Design Association websites, along with others on which you've been meaning to find out. Read about the benefits. Become a member. It will open new doors for you.
   
   
3. Revisit Your UFO's. Like the idea pile, your stash of UFOs probably hasn't seen the light of day in a long time. Pull them out, choose one or two and commit to finishing them in 2008. Save the ones that are still precious to you, but pass the rest on to someone/somewhere else (your art group/quilt guild/best friend).
   
   
4. Take an Art Class. Sign up for a drawing or painting class to expand your horizons. You might be surprised to learn there was a Da Vinci hiding in you all along.
   
   
5. Make a List of Goals. Sit down in a quiet place. Give yourself an hour or two. Pour a cup of coffee or tea, or grab a soft drink. Get out a journal book and a pen/pencil and start making a list of all the goals you want to achieve for 2008. Narrow them down to your top 5, and write or type them in large letters on a piece of paper. Tack the paper in your studio where you will see it every day. This is not your "working" list, just a vivid reminder. Keep working toward your goals and put a big red X next to them as they are completed. Keep writing in your journal as new thoughts and ideas come to mind. If you finish the list, go back to your notes and add a few more. Good for you!

Have a happy and healthy holiday season. May 2008 be your most creative year yet!

Meeting Updates

There will be no meeting in December to give us time to work on all those holiday gifts!

Since January 1st is the first Tuesday, please note that our January meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 22, at our regular meeting time and place.

Have a wonderful December and a Happy New Year!

11th Textile Society of America Biennial Symposium
Sheraton Waikiki
Honolulu, HI
September 24-27, 2008

This sounds pretty interesting. Check out this website for more information.