An Exhibit to See

Bluebird with Happiness #2 by Laura Wasilowski

Decades ago, I was encouraged to teach my very first textile class. My kind mentor, Denise Kavanagh, suggested a two-day workshop at the Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, Illinois. Students created a kimono-like jacket similar to those I made and sold in boutiques throughout the country. Thus began my teaching career!

Bluebird with Happiness #1 by Laura Wasilowski

I no longer teach there but am exhibiting artwork at the Fine Line Kavanagh Gallery. Two of my hand embroideries, Bluebird with Happiness #1 and Bluebird with Happiness #2, are part of the Bird on the Wing exhibit that extends through August 10. I hope you can see it.

This regional arts center has classes in ceramics, jewelry and paper making, dyeing, weaving, glass blowing, and even blacksmithing. You name the art or craft, and the Fine Line has a class for it. It is also a warm and welcoming venue that nurtures artists and beginners like me!

Honoring a Friend

Like many of you, I belong to a community of fun loving quilters. A member of my quilt community was my friend Roberta Horton (left) who passed away in February of 2021. In Roberta’s honor, her twin sister, Mary Mashuta (right), requested that several artisans make quilts using fabric designed by Roberta for a special exhibit debuting at the Pacific International Quilt Festival in Santa Clara, CA, this fall.

Roberta designed these fabrics for Clothworks of Seattle several years ago. They are yarn-dyed handwoven fabrics featuring a variety of plaid and stripe patterns. Mary sent me a stack of Roberta’s beautiful fabrics to use with my own fabrics to create the quilt. I was instantly smitten by the feel of the cloth and the colors!

Roberta’s Garden by Laura Wasilowski

I have fond memories of visiting Roberta and Mary at their home in Berkley, CA. Their warm Craftsman-style home not only housed their colorful studios but a lush garden in the backyard. Mary called it Roberta’s garden. Roberta populated the garden with repurposed chairs and potted plants along stone paths. It was a peaceful respite, a haven in a big city.

As I created Roberta’s Garden, I thought of all the quiltmakers she taught and encouraged over the years, including me. It was always a delight to see her and Mary at quilt shows and chat with them about quilting and our quilt community. I am honored to be part of this exhibit and this vast quilt community that embraces us all. Thank you, Roberta. Thank you, Mary.