By KATHERINE LJUNGQVIST/YachatsNews.com
The Yachats’ Commons will be transformed into an art gallery for three days starting Friday with the return of the Yachats’ Art Quilt Show.
Some 45 artists from four countries will be sharing pieces inspired by this years’ theme “Gems of the Ocean II”.
The mastermind behind this impressive display of artistry is Ruth Bass of Yachats, a former board member of the sponsoring organization, Polly Plumb Productions.
Bass moved to Yachats after retiring from art quilting in the Eugene/Springfield area. When Polly Plumb Productions began its search for a new art show to highlight, she had the answer they were looking for.
“These are not the sorts of quilts you find on bedspreads,” Bass said. “They are pieces of art.”
Art quilting is a departure from traditional quilting; the artists find inspiration from themes rather than traditional quilt patterns, and use different techniques, and mediums, to create museum quality art.
“The theme can be interpreted by the artist,” says Bass.
The artistry behind these works of display will provide a window to the artists’ interpretation of this year’s oceanic theme.
The craftsmanship in the juried show represents nothing but the “top of the top” in the art quilting world, Bass said. In addition from the U.S., there will be work from France, Belgium and Australia. Many of the pieces will be for sale.
“This show draws national quilt artists from all over the U.S.” and beyond, said Bass.
“One of the goals of the show is to introduce art quilting to both locals and visitors to the area,” she said. “We thought the ocean theme would allow artists to explore the beauty of this area and make interpretations based on their own whimsy. We’re delighted to bring this type of show to Yachats and we welcome everyone to experience an art quilt show.”
This year, four artists will be selected for cash prizes totaling $2,000, with a first place prize of $1,000. Money for these prizes comes from entry fees as well as
money earned from previous years. Admission is a suggested $5 donation.
Judges for this year’s show are all artists from the Yachats area: Robin Matthews, a mixed media artist; Nancy Bolton-Rawles, an artist and graphic designer, and Lauren Strach, an award winning fiber artist.
Bass credits the success of the show to the volunteer work that goes into it.
“Volunteers do everything,” she said. “We’ve even had a gentleman create the stands to display the art quilts.”
“Gems of the Ocean II” runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Feb. 14-16 in the multipurpose room of the Yachats Commons.
