Let the Sun Shine In (SAQA NC/VA Regional Exhibition)

A SAQA EXHIBITION OF ART

FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA AND VIRGINIA REGION

“It’s the artist’s business to create sunshine when the sun falls.”

Romain Rolland

Welcome to Let the Sun Shine In!, a juried exhibition of art quilts from the North Carolina and Virginia Regional Group of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA).

Let the Sun Shine In! is a compilation of emotions surrounding the recovery many of us have felt during the global Covid19 crisis and resulting shutdown, now reopening in so many localities. Considering the difficulties so many of us have experienced, I’m drawn to the wisdom my mother often imparted: “In the darkest of times, the sun will still rise in the morning.” She taught us that there is always hope. This exhibition is the result of my wish to embody her wisdom so that many could benefit from it.

Let the Sun Shine In! has filled that call. Many of the participating artists used this exhibition to channel their own emotions as the seclusion they experienced was left behind. Others celebrated, as we all did, with the freedom gained when shutdowns were lifted. It is our hope that you, the viewer will identify artwork as it relates to your own experience; that you may find some solace from the art quilts displayed here and share in sentiments of each of the artists represented in this exhibition.

Ann Flaherty Let the Sun Shine In! Exhibition Coordinator

CON-

Excerpts from the Juror’s Statement: . . . As I viewed each piece, I made notes on three categories: Design/

Composition; Mastery| of LENOXANDPARKER.COM

Medium; and Narrative. The overall design of a piece

was the first element upon which I focused. Although many works had a central focal point, the use of color and directional rhythm became an important factor in my decision. Texture played a significant role in my choices, too.

Quilts, by definition, have stitching that serves as a constructional element and/or a decorative effect. The stitching becomes a bridge between the overall design and the mastery of the medium. It creates a texture that is unique only to this artform. Viewing the image and detail, I found myself frequently saying “Wow” as I marveled in the expertise and textural quality of the stitching. The narrative category really came from the artist statement that accompanied each artwork. This unique glimpse into the artist’s mind fascinated me, and I found it helpful to be able to read the artists’ perspective on how their work fit into the theme of the show. I was amazed at the different interpretations of what the “sun” meant to each artist.

This approach resulted in a selection of 32 art quilts that have a variety of interest and a diversity in terms of how each artist “Let the Sun Shine In.” . . .

Robin L. Haller Associate Professor, Textile Design School of Art and Design East Carolina University

SUNSHINE IN MY GARDEN JENNY SHAFER BALLOU | TROY, VA

44 X 37” | $NFS

My dream is for a beautiful garden just like this one! I love the variety of flowers found in a garden of this size and dimension.

The dew before it evaporates from the sun is replicated by the hundreds of crystals in various colors on this quilt. The brightness of the sun from left to right is emblazoned by Angelina™ and taffeta thread fibers. Many of the flowers are appliquéd on the fabric before it was quilted. If you’ll look there are two garden chairs near the center. One for you and one for me. I invite you into my Sunshine in My Garden.

Materials: Tulle, netting, Angelina™ fibers, taffeta, taffeta thread, embroidered flowers, ribbon flowers, embroidered tulle, 100% cotton, dotted tulle, Aurifil™ and monofilament threads, heat fixed crystals.

Technique: Raw edge fused appliqué, hand and machine embroidery.

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FOLLOW YOUR BLISS HOLLY LEI COLE | TRIANGLE, VA

35 X 37.5” | $2,500.00

Following your bliss is letting the sunshine in your life come alive.

During Covid isolation, I focused on things that gave me joy and this image of my sister glorying in chocolate cake I think can give us all permission to follow our bliss.

Materials: Cotton organdy, cotton, fusible web, embroidery floss, silk organza, fabric paint, MX dye.

Technique: Hand painting, raw edge appliqué, silkscreen printing, embroidery, free motion quilting.

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BARGELLO WITH CONEFLOWER KARIN TAUBER | BLACKSBURG, VA

31 X 40” | $NFS

Echinacea paradoxa, also called the Yellow Coneflower, often turns a vibrant orange at twilight when the light of the setting sun reflects onto the flower petals highlighting their translucence and making them luminous. A field of blooming flowers shines in a cluster of multiples, invoking the look of a sculptural garden.

Materials: Batik and cotton fabrics, tulle, Superior Threads™, yarn and beads.

Technique: Subtle black on black Bargello used as background, monochromatic work study, machine appliqué, free-motion machine quilting.

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LAC LE JEUNE SUNRISE JENNY PERRY | BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC

20 X 20” | $850.00

An early morning sunrise photo taken by the artist at Lac Le Jeune, British Columbia, was the inspiration for this textile piece.

This was the morning view from the artist’s home during her 10 years of living on this beautiful mountain lake.

Materials: Cotton fabrics, threads.

Technique: Fusible appliqué, thread painting, free motion quilting.

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SUNSET VIEW JENNY PERRY | BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC

17.75 X 19.5” | $700.00

My husband and I lived on a lake in British Columbia, Canada for ten years, where we were fortunate to view many beautiful sunsets over the years from our front porch. A simple painted landscape on cotton inspired the artist to add details using thread and Shiva Paintsticks™ to create a sunset view on a lake.

Materials: Hand painted cotton fabric, threads, Carand’Ache Neocolor II Artists’ Crayons™, Shiva Paintsticks™.

Technique: Fabric painting, thread painting, free motion quilting.

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BLUE SUN: RADIANCE ANNEGRET FAUSER | CHAPEL HILL, NC

33.5 X 20.5” | $900.00

The winter and early spring at North Carolina’s Outer Banks bring glorious days of sunshine. Yet because of the time of year, the colors remain cool, even on a radiant day when the sun sparkles and the peaceful waters of the sound reflect the light. I was struck by how calmingly gray the water remained even on a sunny day, a delightful and characteristic blue-gray that speaks both of the time of year and of this place. Created in May 2021.

Materials: Acrylic paint on cotton fabric, polyester and silk fabrics, wool roving, seed beads, cotton and polyester thread. 80/20 cotton/polyester batting, and backing cotton fabric.

Technique: Mono-printing and painting on fabric, needle punching, free-motion quilting, machine stitching, beading.

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SOLEIL LEVANT PATTI LOUISE PASTEUR | NEW BERN, NC

19.5 X 20” | $NFS

“Soleil Levant” or Rising Sun is inspired by a photograph taken while hanging out of my second story window on a cold April morning in New Hampshire. My absolute favorite time of the day is having my one cup of coffee and watching the sun rise up above the trees in my backyard. At that early hour, the feeling of hope and possibilities are limitless. I was excited to capture the mauves and purples suddenly appearing in the sky that lasts less than a minute. A painting was later done of the photo from which this art quilt was created.

Materials: Cotton batting and fabric. Cotton and polyester thread.

Photo custom printed on cotton fabric.

Technique: Raw-edged appliqué and collage. Free-motion and machine stitched. Thread painting. A facing was used as binding around the piece.

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RAY OF HOPE ESTELLE PORTER | ASHLAND, VA

26.5 X 31” | $1,400.00

Covid-19 vaccines have provided a ray of hope that we can survive this pandemic. They also give us opportunities to learn from its challenges and look to the future.

Materials: Hand-dyed cottons by Vicki Welsh and hand-dyed YLI™ braid.

Technique: Couched and quilted with variegated threads.

Fusible appliqué and free-motion quilted.

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FLORIDA NATIVE 2 ELLEN H. LINDNER | MELBOURNE, FL

36 X 24” | $795.00

From a distance, the Florida vegetation looks like just one mass of green. But, when viewed up close, you can see lots of variations: areas whitewashed by the sun, others in deep shadow, veins, dimples and divots.

Materials: Cotton, nylon, and silk fabrics, commercial and hand printed.

Technique: Raw edge collage. machine stitched.

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ORBITING THE SUN MARGARET GRIFFITHS | GLEN ALLEN, VA

38.5 X 25.5” | $500.00

For years I have doodled images that remind me of the stars and other universes. I made this one working with a semimonochromatic color scheme, with a pop of contrasting colors.

I was exploring how shades and tone can give movement and depth to a piece.

Materials: Commercial cottons, beadings, fabric paint and mica medium.

Technique: Machine pieced, free motion machine quilting along with painting and beading.

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RIDGE REST DEBORAH GEBBIE | ASHEVILLE, NC

28 X 38.5” | NFS

I feel peace when I go to a mountain top, also known as a ridge.

I can sit for hours and watch shadows dance across the layers of mountains when the sun shines through the clouds. Here, I can leave behind troubles and enjoy the beauty and peace found in nature.

Materials: Cotton, silk and velvet fabric; cotton, silk and copper thread; silver leaf on fabric; Shiva Paintstiks™.

Technique: Raw-edge appliqué, extensive free motion and hand quilting, hand embroidery, stenciled gel medium for adding silver leaf.

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TROPICAL SUNSHINE MARY A. RITTER | CARY, NC

51 X 53” | $NFS

Hawaiian quilts intrigued me while living on Oahu in the 1970s.

Many years later, living in Minnesota, “sweet tropical sunshine” found its way into the middle of a cold and dreary February. The sunshine of this work lit up the room even if it didn’t melt the snow. While the center followed the typical Hawaiian design, the hand quilting let the sun shine in as it wandered astray.

Materials: Commercial cotton fabric, hand quilting threads, beads, cotton batting.

Technique: Original design, appliqué, hand quilting, beading.

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TEA TIME ON CALLE DE CADIZ MARY A. RITTER | CARY, NC

32 X 25” | $900.00

The afternoon sun streams between the tall buildings as a Valenciana scrambles for siesta time following the busy morning at work. After an hour of relaxation, she will return to work until late evening. The tea is poured and she watches the activity on Calle de Cadiz below. The warmth of the tea brings a respite from the busy world. The light of the sun renews her spirit.

Materials: Original photograph altered in several apps and then printed on cotton lawn by Spoonflower™. Hand-dyed fabrics, paint, machine embroidery threads, silk ribbon, and machine quilting threads.

Technique: Digital photography, appliqué, piecing, silk ribbon embroidery, machine embroidery, machine quilting.

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SUNLIGHT IN THE CITY JAYNE BENTLEY GASKINS | RESTON, VA

30 X 26.5” | $800.00

A flowering branch catches the sunlight in front of a dark city building in the early days of spring. This captures the essence of my feelings of hope as we are just beginning to emerge from the dark days of the pandemic.

Materials: Assorted fabrics, inkjet inks, thread, batting.

Technique: Thread painting, appliqué, photography, digital photo manipulation.

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RAYS OF ASPIRATION MILLIE DANNER JOHNSON | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

36.5 X 24.5” | $NFS

From the traditional Dresden plate sun design radiating to a modern style technique, these rays of sunshine direct me to begin my journey in making art quilts. I found inspiration from Louisa May Alcott’s quote, “Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead.” So, with my dreams and ideas my journey begins.

Materials: 100% cotton and cotton batik.

Technique: Machine piecing, hand appliqué, free motion quilting on my domestic sewing machine and embellishing with beads and floss.

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SUNSHINE KERRY A FARAONE | PURCELLVILLE, VA

21.5 X 21.5” | $150.00

The light of the sun coming through a window...and illuminating life inside...during this year of the pandemic...it seemed more and more important to my creative spirit...to let the sunshine into my heart and head.

Materials: Batiks, thread, fusible, cotton batting.

Technique: First try and an abstract work...

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BY THE LIGHT OF THE SUN SUSAN PRICE | SPRINGFIELD, VA

27 X 34.5” | $475.00

Sunshine brightens the day, adds warmth and lifts our spirits.

Flowers, trees and other plants need it to grow and thrive. But that is not all sunlight is good for. As fiber artists we can use the light of the sun to print on fabric, to record the wonders of Mother Nature for posterity. Especially on those not so sunny days, sun prints can serve as a reminder of the power of the sun to bring smiles of delight and to let the sun shine in our homes and hearts.

Materials: 100% cotton hand dyed and painted fabrics, Pebeo Setacolor™ textile paints, cyanotype treated fabric, thermfax screens, textile paint, hand embroidery threads, cotton and polyester threads.

Technique: Sun printing with paint, cyanotype printing, thermofax screen printing, discharge printing, stenciling, hand embroidery, free-motion machine quilting.

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SUNBEAM JODY GRUENDEL | WILLIAMSBURG, VA

38 X 34” | $600.00

The hand-dyed fabric in this work made me feel as though I was looking through a leaded glass window to the sunlight beyond.

It is a fitting back drop for the one large sunbeam with its many points of light signifying the warmth and light and, yes, hope, given by the sun’s many rays.

Materials: Hand-dyed and traditional cotton quilt fabric, wool batting, metallic iridescent thread, cotton thread.

Technique: Hand appliqué, machine piecing, machine quilted.

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SUN LIGHT LESLY-CLAIRE GREENBERG | FAIRFAX, VA

20 X 23.75” | $3,000.00

Rays of Sun Light came through the windows of my Daddy’s basement shop. They were very bright in the dark as I navigated to the pull chain over Daddy’s workbench. They were so defined and I was mesmerized by the tiny dust particles floating in the shafts of light. I had to walk through three beams to get there!

Memories of home.

Materials: Cotton fabric: traditional Yukata and Diawabo Ombré cotton batting, cotton thread.

Technique: Machine-pieced, machine-quilted.

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SOLAR FLARE ARLENE L. BLACKBURN | UNION HALL, VA

40.5 X 35” | $950.00

After a really tough year, I feel like I have been shot out of a cannon. So much responsibility and loss has come to an unexpected abrupt end and now it feels like the horizon looks clear. Anything is possible and I’m burning “hot” with anticipation of things to come. It is a great feeling!

Materials: Cotton lawn fabrics, Intense Ink Pencils™, calligraphy inks, poly/cotton threads, wool batting, commercial print cotton fabric.

Technique: Machine quilted and painted by artist.

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WHAT IF SUNBEAMS WERE RAINDROPS? SALLY HARCUM MAXWELL | POQUOSON, VA

42 X 20.5” | $NFS

What if sunbeams were raindrops? What if we could see what that looked like? What if it changed our thinking?

Materials: Cotton fabric, batting and thread in a three layer form.

Technique: Traditional tumbler blocks were stitched together then sliced and re-stitched, repeatedly.

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BREAK THROUGH GWEN ELLEN GOEPEL | FLOYD, VA

22 X 20” | $550.00

Creating art quilts brings sunshine into my life every single day.

In my opinion, the sun didn’t fall...our world did...and to not succumb to the horror and fear, many of us chose to use the pause to create more, grow more, love more and even flourish, amidst the unbelievable. Along with the changing of our world, I, as an artist, am making an effort to change by creating more spontaneously without restrictions-hoping my gypsy like adventurous spirit continues to bring joy and light to each and every one who views my work. I, for one, have always loved the sunshine and living on the beach is truly a blessing to witness its glory breaking through the sky, water and sand. Here’s wishing that the sun shines brighter each day for every one of us... breaking through from 2020, into 2021 and to full sunshine in 2022 and beyond!

Materials: Ripped batik, commercial and silk fabrics, embellishments, cheesecloth and shells collected from NC, HI and CA beaches.

Technique: Twisting and turning ripped fabric strips as I randomly sewed them onto a quilted yellow batik substrate, allowing the “sunshine” to peek through the sky, ocean and sandy beach.

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CELESTIAL FIRE PAULA B. ENTIN | FAIRVIEW, NC

56 X 41” | $230.00

The solar eclipse has long been a source of wonder and fear, of mythology and legend. When scientists arrived at an explanation, they illuminated a phenomenon that still has us entranced with the beauty and power of the sun’s flames reaching out beyond the moon, not to be denied their power to shine on the Earth. Even in the darkness of the eclipse, there is always sunlight. I believe we can also be the light in the darkness, by reaching out to others.

Materials: Fabric, glass beads.

Technique: Machine pieced and hand quilted, with bead embellishment and three-dimensional appliqué.

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BRIGHTER DAYS...

RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER PAULA DEAN | BARHAMSVILLE, VA

36 X 32” | $NFS

We all handled change differently while our world was facing the Covid19 pandemic. So many emotions including fear, compassion, strength, heartbreak and hope. Time to reflect, be grateful, bake bread and enjoy the precious gifts of slowing down. My husband, 15-year-old flat-coated retriever Abby and I made it a point to walk each day. If the timing of our walks were right, we would receive this incredible show of sunrays just around the corner.

Inviting us to walk faster. A promise of brighter days right around the corner.

Thank you to all of the essential works during the pandemic.

You are the true heroes!

Materials: Hand dye painted, Inktense Blocks™, silk waste, hand dyed perle cotton thread.

Technique: Hand painted with Procion MX™ dye and then enhanced with Inktense Blocks™. I added silk waste to give added texture while free motion stitching. I then added hand stitches to accentuate the road.

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NORTHERN LIGHTS KAREN STOCKWELL | MAGGIE VALLEY, NC

29 X 27” | $350.00

Sometimes you just have to make your own sun, to paraphrase a friend’s mother. The New York Beauty turns into a sun, surrounded by pieces of sun in hot, happy colors. We need sunshine to thrive, and colors to make us joyful.

Materials: Batiks, cottons.

Technique: Paper-piecing.

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CELEBRATION SANDY CURRAN | NEWPORT NEWS, VA

36 X 46” | $5,000.00

Celebration is one of two pandemic quilts I have made. The first is Isolation, reflecting the year long isolation we endured. The second is this, Celebration, celebrating the joy of getting my vaccination and the end of the fear of the virus.

Materials: Dupioni silk, wool batting, cotton backing, polyester thread.

Technique: Turned edge appliqué, machine-quilting.

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ECLIPSE HORIZON ANN J. HARWELL | WENDELL, NC

42 X 36” | $2,890.00

This piece was inspired by the glory of a solar eclipse. When the sun returns, its light seems more intense. Made with Sunbrella™ fabric this quilt can withstand the sun’s rays, can be hung in a full sun window and allow its light to shine through. The image supplied is backlit to illustrate the effect.

Materials: Sunbrella™ fabric, cotton/poly batting, Madeira™ PolyNeon thread.

Technique: Paper-pieced, free hand-quilted with a domestic sewing machine.

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DIAMOND EFFECT, A SOLAR ECLIPSE ANN J. HARWELL | WENDELL, NC

28 X 26” | $1,100.00

This piece was inspired by the glory of a solar eclipse. When the sun returns, its light seems more intense. Made with Sunbrella™ fabric this quilt can withstand the sun’s rays, can be hung in a full sun window and allow its light to shine through. The image supplied is backlit to illustrate the effect.

Materials: Sunbrella™ fabric, cotton/poly batting, Madeira™ PolyNeon thread.

Technique: Paper-pieced, free hand-quilted with a home sewing machine.

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MA SAID SO ANN FLAHERTY | SANFORD, NC

32.5 X 26.75” | $750.00

My mother reminded us often, no matter what happens, the sun will always rise again tomorrow. She was so right.

Materials: Hand dyed cotton fabric, thread, bamboo batting.

Technique: Manipulated ice dying, machine-quilting.

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STARBURST ANN FLAHERTY | SANFORD, NC

39 X 49” | $950

Every day is bursting with new experiences and opportunities, just as the heavens designed.

Materials: Hand dyed cotton fabric, thread, bamboo batting.

Technique: Manipulated ice dying, machine-quilting.

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SOLEIL KAREN PONISCHIL | CHARLOTTE, NC

22.5 X 19” | $350.00

Where the sun and earth meet over the ocean.

Materials: Cotton fabric, cotton thread and cotton batting.

Technique: Improv piecing, free motion quilting, couching of perle cotton.

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SUMMER AT NORTH GRAHAM MARSH SARAH LYKINS ENTSMINGER | ASHBURN VA

39 X 29” | $900.00

Summer brings warmth, sunlight and an opportunity to be outdoors in the fresh air. Walking along the edge of the marsh, I could feel the sunshine on my skin along with the light breeze; almost a lost moment in time as I simply enjoyed being in that place.

Materials: Hand-dyed fabrics, color pencil, Japanese inks, wax pastel, and a variety of threads.

Technique: Machine piecing, machine-quilting, painting.

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Thank you for visiting Let the Sun Shine In! We hope you found within the thirty-two pieces of this exhibition some solace and joy as we all move into our new reality. Let the Sun Shine In! is available to show at live venues. Please contact us for available dates. Please direct questions about the exhibition or artists to SAQAsunshine@gmail.com.

The talented artists of SAQA NC/VA Regional Group are working towards our next exhibition. Information about our group is located at www.saqa.com/regions/virginia-north-carolina.

To learn more about Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA), please visit www.saqa.com Should you wish to become a member of SAQA, you will find details here. We would love to have you join us.

Let the Sun Shine In! This catalog and exhibition are the projects of Studio Art Quilts Associates, Inc. North Carolina/Virginia Region.

Cover Artwork listed per diagram on page 72 Catalog Design by Victor Flavius Logo Design by Jayne Gaskins All photographs are by the artist with the exception of: Sunshine in My Garden, page 7, photographed by Chris Krapf Celestial Fire, page 51, photographed by Martin Fox Photography Eclipse Horizon, page 59, photographed by Dick Cicone Diamond Effect, page 61, photographed by Dick Cicone What if Sunbeams Were Raindrops, page 47, photographed by David Maxwell Exhibition Committee Members: Ann Flaherty, Sally Maxwell, Arlene Blackburn, Jayne Gaskins, Sarah Entsminger, Jenny Tankersley Ballou, Margaret Storti, Anne Panella, Marty Moon, Betsy True, Karin Tauber, Wendy Buettner All rights reserved.

Copyright 2021 by the artists and curator All rights reserved. The individual artists retain sole copyright to their art and images as allowed for use by Studio Art Quilt Associates. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage or retrieval system without the written permission of the artist and curator, except where permitted by law.

Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc PO Box 141 Hebron, CT 06248

COVER ARTISTS

Mary A. Ritter

Paula Dean

Sandy Curran Jayne Bentley Gaskins

Jenny Perry

Arlene L. Blackburn Paula B. Entin

Karen Ponischil

Karen Stockwell

Jenny Shafer Ballou

Jenny Perry

Mary A. Ritter

Ann J. Harwell

Ann M. Flaherty

Margaret Griffiths

Ann J. Harwell

Kerry A Faraone

Holly Lei Cole

Susan Price

Jayne Gaskins

Patti Louise Pasteur

Gwen Ellen Goepel

Ellen H. Lindner Sally Harcum Maxwell

Lesly-Claire Greenberg

Jody Gruendel

Millie Danner Johnson

Deborah Gebbie

Karin Tauber

Estelle Porter

Sarah Lykins Entsminger

Annegret Fauser

Ann M. Flaherty

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A SAQA EXHIBITION OF ART FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA AND VIRGINIA REGION