SAQA 2017 Trunk Show preview #12

Game Trails by Anne Morrell Robinson, Margaree Valley NS

Game Trails by Anne Morrell Robinson

AMR: Game Trails was inspired by the tracks I follow on my daily walks or ski outings. Often our tracks cross or come together at a moose or deer yard or the den area of a coyote family. Animals and humans all seem to come together in common gathering places.

Read more about Anne Morrell Robinson on her website, Kingross Quilts. 

SAQA 2017 Trunk Show preview #11

Beside the Pond by Cathy Drummond, Mahone Bay NS

Beside the Pond by Cathy Drummond

CD: I was struck by the profusion of plant life by the pond in autumn, with its mix of the browns, reds and yellows of fall with the brilliant greens of new growth. We have so much beauty at our doorsteps.

SAQA 2017 Trunk Show preview #10

Chicken Scratch by Kristi Farrier, Almonte ON and Middle River NS

Chicken Scratch by Kristi Farrier

KF: The piece came about as I was exploring structural and geometric elements with organic feeling fabrics and back again to more organic elements with the hand stitching. The end result reminded me of marks made by chickens foraging. Hence the name “Chicken Scratch”.

SAQA 2017 Trunk Show preview #9

Did you know that it's not too late to enter SAQA's 2017 Trunk Show? SAQA has extended the entry deadline to December 18th, so if you're wishing you had a little more time...

Helene Blanchet's piece is the 9th entry from Atlantic Canada.

The Garden Patch by Helene Blanchet of Margaree Valley, NS

The Garden Patch by Helene Blanchet

HB: I am a folk artist from Nova Scotia. This is a picture of the little kitchen garden we carved out of the forest in which we live, complete with the bunny who loves to share in the spoils.

Read more about Helene Blanchet and her artwork in a recent SAQA Atlantic artist interview.

SAQA 2017 Trunk Show preview #8

Winter Sky by Regina Marzlin, Antigonish NS

Winter Sky by Regina Marzlin

RM: A blue and white morning sky at the beginning of winter. It feels like snow will be falling today. The dark trees look stark against the winter sky.

SAQA 2017 Trunk Show preview #7

Rings and Things by Lois Wilby Hooper of Moores Mills, NB 

Rings and Things by Lois Wilby Hooper

LWB: With a piece of indigo dyed shibori, from a SAQA workshop, staring at me reproachfully from the shelf, I decided to have a play day. Anything goes, whatever happens, happens. So, collecting various scraps, odds and ends, and general leftovers, I set to work. I wanted to continue the circle theme across the piece. Some bits of net fused with metallic paint scraps and bits of Angelina fibres were free motioned in place. Then I added beading, crocheted rings and hand embroidery with hand dyed thread.

Stepping back to see the "avant garde" result, I had a good laugh at myself.  All my traditional needle arts background was readily apparent. You can take the artist away from the tradition, but you can't take the traditional skills out of the artist!

SAQA 2017 Trunk Show preview #6

Have a peek at another piece of artwork, by Chris Nielsen, that will travel the world with the 2017 SAQA Trunk Show. If you're thinking of entering, your piece must be submitted online by Wednesday November 30th and the actual shipment must be received by January 14th.

Infection by Christine Nielsen

Infection by Christine Nielsen of Head of St Margaret's Bay, NS

CN: This piece was created during the 2016 election cycle in the United States. I was thinking about the ways in which disaffection develops. It starts in isolated pockets which then burst and spread the seeds of hate. Soon everything is contaminated.

Read more about Chris's artwork on her blog, A Galloping Cat.

SAQA 2017 Trunk Show preview #5

November 30th is the deadline for registering a 7"x10" piece for SAQA's 2017 Trunk Show. Today we feature Sandra Betts' submission.

Devin's Discovery by Sandra Betts

Devin's Discovery by Sandra Betts of Saint John, NB

One of my grandsons, Devin, loves to hike the backwoods off trail. He discovers some of the most beautiful nature scenes, photographs them and sends the pictures to me to enjoy. It is a great pleasure for me to try to reproduce them in my favourite medium - fabric.

SAQA 2017 Trunk Show preview #4

ReBecca Paterson is the fourth SAQA Atlantic member to share her 2017 Trunk Show contribution with our readers. Have a look at her piece:

Heading East by ReBecca Paterson

Heading East by ReBecca Paterson of Sussex, NB

I am reminded of heading home to the Maritimes, flying over the Rockies, the foothills and just coming in to the cookie cutter areas of the prairies. This whole cloth quilt is just a snippet from a larger piece of fabric that was a deconstructive screen printing on cotton experiment. Cotton, polyester, procion dyes, ink.

SAQA 2017 Trunk Show preview #3

Have a look at our third featured 2017 Trunk Show contribution, Kathy Tidswell's The Tudor Rose.

The Tudor Rose by Kathy Tidswell

The Tudor Rose by Kathy Tidswell, of Burtt's Corner, NB

My painted background spoke to me of roses. It inspired me to create the intertwining white and red roses signifying the end of the Wars of the Roses. The houses were joined, like these roses, when Henry Tudor, King Henry VII, a Lancastrian, took Elizabeth of York to be his bride.


Read more about her work on Kathy Tidswell's website.

SAQA 2017 Trunk Show preview #2

Our second featured 2017 Trunk Show contribution is, Is it Deco?, by LaVerne McCallum Deakin.

Is it Deco? by LaVerne McCallum Deakin

“Is It Deco?” by LaVerne McCallum Deakin from Fredericton, NB

Although I usually start with sketches and the occasional full-size diagram, most of my pieces evolve as I work, often bearing little resemblance to the original sketch. Thinking positively, should I not be happy with the end result, it will serve as a learning experience. Over the last couple of years, I have noticed what I consider an “art deco” influence appearing in my work. Who knows what will be next?

Metals, especially copper, are favourite materials, but I also enjoy working with a variety of mixed media. The richness of silk as a background fibre seems to enhance the materials placed on it. The variegated metallic thread was the best match for this piece of silk which changes colour based on the angle of light.

Experiments with art quilting came after many years as a traditional quilter and, after retirement, I realized this is where my heart is!

Read our 2015 profile of LaVerne McCallum Deakin here.

SAQA 2017 Trunk Show Contributions

SAQA’s travelling Trunk Shows showcase members' talent while promoting art quilts around the globe.  

The Trunk Shows are collections of small quilted artworks, each 10 x 7 inches. The collections travel to venues in many countries over up to a three-year period. At the end of the tour, the quilt is either returned to the artist or sold through the SAQA store. The submission deadline for the 2017 Trunk Show is November 30th.

Several SAQA Atlantic Canada members have been producing pieces for the Trunk Show. We will be featuring their work over the coming days. 

Early Frost by Holly McLean

Early Frost by Holly McLean of Bathurst, New Brunswick

Most of my artwork stems from my wanderings along the beaches and trails in my area. There are always a myriad of things to inspire me in any season; no matter how many times I walk the same path, there is always something new to attract the eye. I’m drawn to the tiniest of interesting flora and fauna, to large vistas, to the lines and shadows produced by bare trees and their branches, to bird’s nests which become apparent in fall and winter. It is all endlessly fascinating and inspiring.

Visit Holly McLean's blog to learn more about her work. 

If you haven't yet made a quilt for the 2017 Trunk Show, there may still be time. Stay tuned for more Trunk Show submissions in the coming days.  

SAQA trunk show at Fibrefest 2016

Mountain/Fields II by Jill Jensen

The SAQA 25th Anniversary Trunk Show, a collection of 51 small art quilts on tour around the region, was recently on display at the 2016 Fibre Arts Festival in Amherst NS.

Joann Dnistransky reports on the event:

"The trunk show was well received, with approximately 170 visitors, and people were amazed! The exhibit was at the Four Fathers Library, which was instagramming the info out to the public and getting a lot of traffic in. Visitors from Germany, France, California, BC, Alberta, Ontario and all over the Atlantic are now more familiar with SAQA and what we're all about." 

View all the quilts in the collection online.

SAQA's 25th Anniversary Trunk Show at Fibrefest 2016, Amherst NS

Water Tower #4 by Heather Dubreuil, Hudson, QC

One of eight collections in the SAQA 25th Anniversary Trunk Show is touring Atlantic Canada, with stops at many guilds and communities throughout 2016. This remarkable collection of 51 small art quilts will be on display at the 2016 Fibre Arts Festival in Amherst NS, October 11 - 15th.

The trunk show was designed to showcase SAQA’s diversity of talent and its mission to “promote the art quilt through education, exhibitions, professional development, documentation, and publications.” 


Each quilt is 10" x 7", mounted on a black 12" x 9" backing, and sealed inside a clear envelope. The artist's location, artwork title, statement and information about techniques and materials are on the back.  

Where: Four Fathers Memorial Library Public Library
             21 Acadia St, Amherst, NS

When: 

Oct 11-13 (Tue,Wed,Thurs) 11am-2pm,  Oct 14 (Fri) 10am- 5pm,  Oct 15 (Sat)10am - 3pm

SAQA Atlantic Trunk Show Visits Sussex, NB and area - ReBecca Paterson, Searsville, New Brunswick

SAQA Atlantic member ReBecca Paterson presented the SAQA Atlantic Trunk Show to several groups early this year. First was the Sussex Artist Co-op where though the crowd was small in attendance, those who attended showed much interest and had many questions about the pieces. 

Next ReBecca took the show to the Bloomfield Quilters and Guest (pictured) where she was pleasantly surprised at the attendance and the interest. In her presentation she focused on how 

the pieces in the trunk show were art, but that the quilters viewing them should not be intimated. ReBecca found that pointing out the different techniques drew out even more questions.

The third showing was for the Sussex Vale Quilt Guild with another strong attendance and even some interest expressed in purchasing a print, card or an individual piece. 

Below is a thank you email ReBecca received from one of the guests that she wanted to share with the members to let them know that their work was very much appreciated.

“ReBecca -That trunk show that you presented at the Bloomfield Hall a week ago was a more impressive endeavour than I had expected. Whoever conceived of the idea, put it together and arranged to have you deliver it gave us a real gift. -It seems to me, and to some of the others who attended that this was an exceptional public service. We really appreciated the opportunity to see the works up close in a non-threatening environment among similarly minded women.Your own comments and explanations were clear, warm and helped open the pieces to us. Thanks so much for the opportunity and for your own efforts on our behalf.” 

Welcome to our visitors from the GMQG!

Last evening Nancy Elaschuk and I presented the SAQA Atlantic Trunk Show to members of the Greater Moncton Quilt Guild at the monthly May meeting. The trunk show received a very favourable response and we hope everyone was inspired by the wealth of talent exhibited. Along with hearing many, many positive remarks, we also hope we may have attracted several new members to SAQA!

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the GMQG members who visit this blog and invite them to explore past posts and read more about the fibre artists and projects that we touched on last evening. As well, please take a little time to delve further into the blogs and websites displayed on the sidebar and learn even more about the individual artists.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Nancy or me. Our contact info is included in our blogs which are listed on the sidebar. Or, just leave a comment and I will get back to you asap.

Again, welcome to the GMQG and as well, to all who visit the SAQA Atlantic blog. We appreciate your interest!

Thank you,
Jennifer

SAQA Atlantic Trunk Show

The SAQA Atlantic Trunk Show was recently on display at the 7th bi-annual New Brunswick Gathering of the Guilds. The Gathering of the Guilds is an weekend retreat for representatives of the 19 quilt guilds that meet within the NB borders. The weekend includes displays, round table discussions and the opportunity to share ideas, projects, ways and means of building guilds and promoting the fibre arts. 

Within the scope of the weekend, the trunk show was set up for Gathering participants to view and guilds were encouraged to book the trunk show for their home guilds. When the retreat packed up on Sunday, the show left with members of the Fredericton Quilt Guild to be shown at their guild meeting. 

Bookings are still available. Contact Nancy Elaschuk at nancyelas@gmail.com for more information.  

SAQA Atlantic Trunk Show - An Update

Heather Loney was the caretaker of the SAQA Atlantic trunk show for the latter part of 2013. She provided us with this report:

The SAQA trunk show was seen by 5 quilt guilds (over 250 people): Mayflower QG [Halifax-Dartmouth], Mariners QG [Cole Harbour], Sackville QG [Sackville NS], Northumberland QG [Stellarton-New Glasgow] and Mahone Bay QG. All of the people who examined the art quilts loved what they saw, and several at each 'showing' asked for information about becoming possible future members. (I do hope they followed through!) Having the artist's statement on the back of each piece was great too -- people took the time to read the comments and would discuss the attributes of the pieces with their friends.



Susan Tilsley Manley also showed the trunk show during that time period and provided this report:

I took the trunk show to my kids' elementary school. There are five classes and six grade levels in Scotsburn Elementary. I expected to show each class, have a bit of discussion (fifteen minutes tops), and be home before noon. Not so much.

I began with a blanket, asking what it was and what it was for. Then a quilt.   Then I asked the difference. The children's answers were insightful and wise.

Then I showed them an Art Quilt. Again they were engaged. Then I showed each piece, and passed them around. The children were completely engaged. They appreciated knowing something about each artist and/or technique. They asked great questions, "What inspires you?"  "How do you decide what colours to use?"  "Can you use ANYTHING on an art quilt?” Each and every child was into it, and for a long time. Even the ones who normally check out all together were asking things like, "Are we going to get to do this?" and my favorite, "How much does it cost to do this?”

One of the liveliest discussions followed a teacher's question, "Which one would you buy if you could?” One girl who I have know all her ten years, and who is normally too shy to speak to me, said, "I just couldn't pick one to buy, they are all so beautiful. I wish I could take them all home.” 

The principal, secretary, custodian, lunch lady, education assistants, teachers and a few stray parents all managed a peek. I was there till the dismissal bell rang at the end of the day. I had no voice left at all, but my spirits were high. I thought it went quite well. Then in the next week, I was a bit amazed when parents started telling me that it was all their kids could talk about over the dinner table that night. Yipee.

Later that week, I hosted my bookclub. About 80% of whom have children at Scotsburn school. These ladies have been my "Soul Sisters" for ten years. We have been through all the usual child rearing stuff together.
As I showed them the pieces, telling stories about who does what or from whom I learned a technique, they started to move from simply appreciating the work, to really understanding what this group of creatives means to me. They began to comment on how at home I must feel in a such circle of colleagues. They understood that this group of women were also my sisters, and they really celebrated that for me. I suddenly went from being the arty one, to one of many in their eyes. And it felt really good.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have shown the trunk show, the work of my colleagues, in places that are not necessarily typical. It was so well received and so satisfying, I'll do it again the next time it is near.

Thank you,
Susan TM

SAQA Atlantic Trunk Show - Upcoming Schedule

We thought it might be interesting to share the schedule of the SAQA Atlantic Trunk Show as it now stands. There are possible booking dates available and you can work out those details by contacting the 2014’s winter/spring guardian of the trunk show, Nancy Elaschuk. Sharing the upcoming schedule also gives you an opportunity to know where the show is in case you might like to drop by, or to book it for a showing in your area!

March 5             Elm City Quilt Guild, Fredericton, NB
March 22-23    Chapter of Embroiders Association, Sussex, NB
                           Sussex Art Co-op, Sussex, NB
March 25          Sussex Quilt Guild, Sussex, NB

April 2                Marco Polo Guild, St John, NB
April 4-6            Gathering of the Guilds, Rothesay, NB
April 15              Fredericton Quilt Guild, Fredericton, NB
April 24              Mixed Media Group, Moncton, NB

May 14              Greater Moncton Quilt Guild, Moncton, NB


There is a comment/guest book travelling with the show and this is what the Ackerley Guild had to say: “ We loved the show. The girls were so impressed. It was great to see the use of many embellishments and techniques. We read the backs and discussed the pieces. Wonderful opportunity!”

Please note that we would love this show to travel outside the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick area. As well, it would be great to have it seen at venues other than those quilt and fibre related. If you are interested in taking the show to your area, please contact Nancy.

Call for Entry - Regional Trunk Show

At our last regional meeting we had a long discussion about ways to promote SAQA and to attract new members. Many of us were able to see a selection from SAQA's This is a Quilt trunk show in the summer/fall of 2011. We thought that something similar with work entirely by Atlantic Canadians would be a fantastic tool for us to use when we speak to groups about SAQA. Anna Davison and Susan Tilsley Manley volunteered to shepherd this concept. Here is a note from Susan with more details. I hope you will all get to work on your piece for the collection.

from Susan Tilsley Manley

SAQA Atlantic's Own Trunk Show

We’re putting together our own traveling trunk show. The idea is that we showcase our different styles and techniques in a way that is accessible to many people for a reasonable amount of money.  There is nothing like seeing the real thing. So we’re proposing that each member of SAQA Atlantic Canada create an 8 ½” x 8 ½” square art quilt sandwich that is representative of your work, unbound, that we’ll sandwich between foam core and a square mat. Each piece will have the artist’s statement on the back and the whole thing will be packaged in a clear plastic bag for easy handling and safety of the work. The collection will be available for any member to use as a promotional tool for SAQA Atlantic. Hopefully the trunk show will travel all around the Maritimes to guilds, workshops, shows or tea with friends.

Submissions need to be: 8 ½” x 8 ½” art quilt sandwich (unbound), accompanied by an artist’s statement (telling in ONE page; name, address, title of piece, date, materials, techniques and a description of you and/or your work.)

Send to:

Susan Tilsley Manley
RR#3
Westville, NS
B0K 2A0

Deadline: February, 28, 2013

Please include $5.00 in cash or by cheque made out to Anna Davison. This will pay for the supplies required to display and protect your work.

Also, email a copy of your artist’s statement to Susan at artfarm@seasidehighspeed.com.

I look forward to seeing all your beautiful creations.