Ecology of Quilts: The Natural History of American Textiles at The American Folk Art Museum

Please join Rachel Strauber, a docent at the American Folk Art Museum, on February 11 at 11 AM for a tour of the current exhibition- An Ecology of Quilts: The Natural History of American Textiles. As the title suggests, this is not your usual quilt show. It begins with the plants, insects, and animals necessary to produce the cloth and create dyes to color it.

This exhibition also asks us to be mindful of the artisans and laborers necessary to cultivate, harvest and process these materials, as well as the dreadful and often dangerous conditions under which they worked. Another important part of the story is the rise of the international trade networks that made it possible to carry raw materials, dyestuffs, cloth, and human beings, before 1808, from their places of origin to destinations around the world. 

The focus of this show is on the materials and those who provided the materials for a quintessential American art form, but the final product is not neglected. Thirty stunning quilts are on display, dating from the late 18th through the 20th century, almost a third of which are recent acquisitions.  The group is limited to 15. There is no charge for the tour, but donations would be greatly appreciated.  If you would like to join this tour, please register by clicking on the green REGISTER button below. We will meet in the museum lobby shortly before 11 AM.

Rachel Strauber, event host

Carnegie Hill Village

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, mid 19th C, member of the Sinclair Family.

Pinwheel Variation Quilt Malissia Beltway, C 1960