The Contemporary Quilts of Diana Bennett & Lina Zerkle
The Midwest Museum of American Art is delighted to present the exhibition, “Expressions in Fiber Yesterday & Today”, that features a retrospective look (1971-2006) at the work of two of Indiana’s foremost contemporary quilt makers, Diana Bennett and Lina Zerkle. The exhibition opens on Friday, December 14 and continues through Sunday, February 24, 2008. A Special Reception to meet the artists will be held on Sunday, December 16 from 1:00 to 4:00PM.
In every respect this exhibition shows the evolution of artistic skill and concept. The first quilts in the exhibit were created during the artists’ internship in traditional quilting where they learned the necessary skills and techniques to make a quality quilt. Several of the early quilts are of a traditional style but utilize the artists; own original design layouts that they hand sewed. The last half of the exhibit shows their growth into original fiber art wall hangings. These pieces are original in style and design using such techniques as machine quilting with embellishments such as beads, paint, machine stitching, and even computer aided design (CAD). These later works are really seen as “soft paintings”.
Over 25 contemporary quilts will be displayed that chronicle the history of Diana Bennett and Lina Zerkle as they become immersed in the Art Quilt movement beginning in 1980 through the present decisively bringing the quilt from “bed to wall”. From the traditional craft of quilt making based on repeated block to the free spirited, sometimes edgy art form of today, this exhibit is a must-see during the Holidays and into the New Year.
“Expressions in Fiber Yesterday & Today” is sponsored by the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau with partial funding provided by the GENESIS Program of the city of Elkhart.
Members and Guests are invited to a Holiday Open House for Expressions in Fiber Yesterday & Today! Meet the Artists DIana Bennett & Lina Zerkle on Sunday Afternoon, DECEMBER 16 from 1:00 to 4:00PM.
Update on”The Muse of Music” purchase
We are excited to announce that we are $3,870 short of our goal to acquire the bronze sculpture by Harold Langland and the “Muse” should belong to the museum by year’s end.
Thanks to the following donors for their generous gifts:
$20 – $249
Bill & Jan Atwood; Pat & John Bickart; Philip & Verna Brinson; Brian & Lisa Byrn; Marty & Wendell Culp; Sandra Duwe; Jeannette Reedy; Willard & Alice Roth; Phyllis Warrick.
$250 – $999
Peter & Gloria Carney; Tom & Lois Dusthimer; Wes Mark & Mary Harder; Steve & Jane Poe; George L. & Barbara Thomas; Bradley Vite.
$1,000 – $2,999
Bill & Katy Bissell; Dan & Linda Burns; Jack & Karen Cittadine; Tom & Dot Corson; David & Jane Grandstaff; William & Claire Luther; Stan & June Disher; Mary Naquin; Phyllis & Dewey Welch.
$3,000+
Ron & Connie Minzey.
$10,000+
Cheryl Gruber Waldman.
The Director’s Statement
As the year-end appoaches and we celebrate the holidays of Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, the staff od the MMAA wishes to reflect on those people and events, challenges and accomplishments that have shaped this year of 2007.
Foremost in these reflections are our members whose continual support, visits, letters and checks keeps our doors open. A special thought also is given for our volunteers who generate enthusiasm to the thousands of visitors who come through the museum’s doors. ANd, to the corporations and individuals whose generosities have made our collection and exhibitions, our library and archives, our educational and outreach programs possible, you have our deepest gratitude. Not a day goes by that we are not reminded that your participation assures that the Midwest Museum of American Art will go forth and florish.
We are truly thankful to each and every one of you whose partnerships and support contribute to the success of this amazing American Art museum in Elkhart. Int he New Year, I challenge each of you to secure one new member and introduce them to our impressive cultural institution. We look forward to seeing you in 2008, in a celebration of our past, present, and future. ~Jane Burns, Director
The Midwest Museum of American Art will sponsor a bus trip to the Art Institute of Chicago in late March as the “Edward Hopper” exhibit opens. Organized in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Gallery of Art, the exhibit will feature a stunning number of Hopper’s most famous paintings. edward Hopper is considered the most important realist painter of the 20th Century and this exhibition will be the most expansive retrospective ever mounted.
Call for reservations in January to reserve your spot and hear more details about this exciting trip.
The Largest Cash Awards Exhibit in the Midwest! The 29th Elkhart Juried Regional
The 29th Elkhart Juried Regional continues through December 9th. The 29th Elkhart Juried Regional opened with great fanfare on October 12th. A crowd of over 400 enjoyed the exhibition of 187 works by 144 artists from a twenty-one county region. Awards totaling $25,000 were presented – the largest year for awards in museum history! Several of the highlights of the evening’s awards reception are illustrated in the printed newsletter located in the museum. This exhibition features the most artists from Elkhart (24) ever represented in the history of the museum.
TRIBUTES
The Midwest Museum of American Art gratefully acknowledges gifts in honor or in memory of special friends. Notes of acknowledgement are sent by the Museum to those honored or to the families of those memorialized. Recent memorials include:
IN MEMORY OF
DR.GEORGE ADKINS (*by Jane Burns, Mark Brinson, Philip & Verna Brinson)
WILLIAM ARKO (*by Byron Brady)
DONALD J. BALL (*by Jane Burns, Joyce Cleaveland, Joan Grimes, Paul & Betty Thomas)
JENNY BEARDSLEY (*by George & Barbara Thomas)
SUSAN BROWN (*by Joan Grimes)
ROBERT BOYER (*by Carolyn J. Keefe)
RICK KLEMM (*by Joan Grimes)
WILMER McLAUGHLIN (*by EHS Class of 1941)
PATRICIA MINELLI (*by Byron Brady, Jane Burns, Wendell & Marty Culp, Paul & Betty Thomas)
SHERRY MYERS (*by Jini & Joe Rueff)
MARY SHINN (*by EHS Class of 1941)
ANN STOLZ (*by Philip & Verna Brinson, Alice Craven)
ROBERT WEED (*by Jan & Bill Atwood, Stuart & Trudy Basquin, Dr. & Mrs. William Luther)
MARGUERITE ZIMMERMAN (*by Susan G, Platt)
ROBERT ZIMMERMAN (*by Joan Grimes)
IN HONOR OF JANE BURNS’ BIRTHDAY (*by Carolyn J. Keefe)
IN MEMORY OF MARY JANE PARMATER KEEFE & PAUL D. KEEFE (*by Carolyn J. Keefe)
(D. R.)