July 18, 2012
“American Quilts: The Democratic Art 1780 – 2007” will be on exhibit from August 4 – October 28, 2012, at the Whatcom Museum in Bellingham, Washington.
There are more than thirty quilt masterpieces which span the history of American quiltmaking, and it is the first to tell the whole story of American quilts and quiltmakers, providing a visually compelling, in-depth study of the art, history, and cultural importance of American quilts, from their European origins to the present day. The exhibition is based on Robert Shaw’s book, AMERICAN QUILTS: THE DEMOCRATIC ART 1780-2007
Bill Volckening’s quilt
Photos are the Museum’s.
Check out the lower part of the page : http://www.whatcommuseum.org/galleries/upcoming/356-american-quilts-the-democratic-art-1780-2007- to see slides of some of those quilts.
About Quilts 
Willy Wonky
/ July 18, 2012Thank you for announcing this event. That’s my New York Beauty, and I’m honored to be part of the show and also honored to be in your blog. Many thanks! Bill Volckening, aka Willy Wonky
woodhavenstudio
/ July 22, 2012Thanks for the info! I added your name under the photo. Your quilt is stunning. Sure wish I could see the exhibit!
Empty Mirror Mag (@EmptyMirror)
/ September 10, 2012I recently visited the exhibit at the Whatcom Museum, learned so much, and very much want to go again. The range of quilts exhibited there truly provided an education and much inspiration; it really fired my imagination. I bought the book, which shows many more quilts and shares a wealth of information about quilt history.
I’d recommend this exhibit (and the book) to anyone with an interest in quilting, American history, or art.
After I left the museum, Bill Volkening’s quilt was one of several which really stayed with me. I admire it greatly! I’ve not yet made a quilt but aspire to.
– Denise
Elizabeth Joy Buckley Bargh
/ October 4, 2012I visited the Exhibition today having taken a side trip on my way from New Zealand to New York to visit my son and family.
WOW every one of these quilts simply shines for its design, colour, technique, complexity and/or in some cases simply because it has been preserved so well. The breadth of styles and wonderful quality supported by succinct contextual information beside each, makes this exhibition a MUST DO. The one hour film, Hearts and Hands, 19th Century Women and Their Quilts, that shows alongside the exhibition also serves to contextualise many of the quilts. Whatcom has done such a great job on this exhibition and the cafe food is well worth a bite.
I had the book at home; seeing some of these quilts for real has been the most stimulating experience. Americans should try to get there and anyone flying in via the west coast should make the side trip to this exhibition. I am back at the hotel patching and cant wait to go back again tomorrow before leaving for NY.
– Elizabeth