By Virginia Volkman, Library Director
Sedona AZ (January 10, 2012) – The Sedona Public Library Annual Quilt Show is underway and will continue through February 15. In celebration of Arizona’s Centennial in 2012, a special group of vintage quilts that have found their way to Sedona are included. Also on display are new quilts in both contemporary and traditional styles. As the new and vintage quilts hang side by side, look for how quilting has changed with more modern technology and yet how much has remained the same.
Patty Krause has once again prepared a guide to the quilts. This is her introduction to the quilt show:
“Each year a theme naturally emerges as we gather the quilts. This year’s themes are collaboration, resiliency and tradition. As the stories unfold, you will read about 25 local quilters coming together to design and create a quilt for the City dedicated to the history of Sedona or of a family where each member of all ages has made stitches in one quilt. How resilient is a quilt? One quilt was under water for 30 days in 1937 when a river flooded the town. The quilt is spotless now and hangs in the Community Room. Another quilt dates back to 1850 and you can still read the handwritten names on it. Quilting thrives on traditions, as mothers pass on their mothers’ quilts to younger generations. The stories will stir your heart.”
You won’t want to miss a single quilt in this show. In addition to the rafters at the center of the library, be sure to check out the wooden trellis, display cases and the Si Birch Community Room.
The brightest colored quilt in the show is “Star of Bethlehem or Lone Star of Texas” from 1930, by an unknown quilter and owned by Sharon Angelo. There can be several names for the same quilt pattern such as this single pieced star. Many times the name would vary depending on where the quilt was made. Sharon purchased this quilt years ago in York County, Pennsylvania. She was drawn to the star on the yellow background, which made her think of sunshine. Living here in Sedona now, the colors of the star just say Sedona to her.
Another quilt that lights up the library is “Susan’s Sunflower” by Sharon Platte. This is an original design made for Sharon’s daughter Susan, with over 400 yo-yo’s sewn together to form the sunflower blossoms. The blossoms were appliquéd on the quilt panels and the panels were assembled into a quilt top. Various design patterns were stenciled onto the quilt top and hand stitched during a quilting bee. Many family members (quilters and non-quilters, ages 2 years to 88 years) put stitches in the quilt.
Plan to visit the library to see the quilt show and also attend one of the many programs offered at the library.
For the younger crowd, “Little Book Lovers” is offered on Tuesday mornings. This is a program designed for children ages 3 to 5 and their parents or caregivers. Beat the winter blahs with a special guest on January 24. All ages are invited to join in the musical fun from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., with guitarist Chuck Cheesman and his songs that are made for dancing.
Continuing programs for youth are the Saturday story time for ages 3 and up, which is held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and a variety of programs for infants through age 3, which are held on Thursday mornings from 10:30 to 11:00. Teens can participate in Young Voices Be Heard on Mondays from 4 to 5:45 p.m.
Check the library’s website www.sedonalibrary.org for events being held at the library, including Monday night movies, computer classes, music concerts, and various community group meetings open to the public. There’s always something happening at the library. We hope to see you often in 2012.
The library is seeking area residents to participate in Sedona i-Talks, a program of short, dynamic, “idea talks.” An orientation for interested presenters will take place at the library at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 14th. Selected speakers will deliver their presentations in March, before an audience at the library, and video clips will be posted online to reach a broader audience.