—Exhibit Will Feature Over 55 Quilt Panels by the RiverCity Quilt Guild—
Milford, Ohio—The Greater Milford Area Historical Society (GMAHS) will host the RiverCity Quilt Guild (RCQG) in a Charley Harper Quilt Debut at Promont – an exhibit featuring quilt panels based on artworks by late Cincinnati artist, Charley Harper. Complementing the quilt show, Milford’s Row House Gallery and Custom Framing will showcase a collection of limited edition Harper art prints. The show will open on Saturday, May 9 and will close on May 16. The event will be held at Promont, 906 Main Street, Milford, Ohio 45150. Admission is $5/adult at the door.
Show dates and hours includes:
Saturday, May 9 – 10 AM to 1 PM – “First Peak” quilt show only; Promont tours will be added starting at 1 PM to 4 PM
Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16 – 1 to 4 PM
“We’re very excited to host the RiverCity Quilt Guild,” commented Donna Amann, administrator, GMAHS. “This is the first time that the Guild will exhibit the Harper collection in eastern Cincinnati, and we’re very pleased it will be at Promont and available in the greater Milford and Miami Township area.”
Quilts have always been prized for their functional use; and, quilts allowed for the preservation of textiles and efficient repurpose of garments and scraps of cloth into bedding. Historically, quilters took pride in developing intricate and documented patterns; and, often a vintage quilt can be traced to its geographical origin based on the design alone. Life events, seasons, landscapes and more have been captured within the art of quilting.
In more recent years, quilters have incorporated modern, sometimes abstract, designs and added various uses such as wall art, table runners and other decorative forms. In the Charley Harper collection, the RCQG members have interpreted contemporary art into detailed quilted art works.
“The Harper exhibit at Promont will be quite unique,” commented Lisa Morris, member RCQG. “The Italianate Victorian mansion will provide a vintage backdrop to this contemporary display. I believe the blend will be extraordinary and will allow us to feature a classical quilting art form with a modern twist.”
Of particular note:
This is the 7th year for RCQG to present the Charley Harper quilt collection. The guild’s motivation is to challenge and help each other try new skills and to gain awareness for, and interest in, the guild. RCQG membership information will be available at the show.
Over 55 quilts will be on display, the largest panel measuring approximately 33×36 inches and the smallest 9×11 inches. A few of the named quilts include: Bird Feeders, Ohio, Lady Bug Sampler, Early Risers and Song Sparrow among others.
RCQG does not use commercial Charley Harper quilt patterns. Members choose a Harper art piece as their inspiration and then create a unique pattern based on an individual interpretation of the art. All panels demonstrate a focus on art and technique.
Most of the quilt samplers are machine quilted; and, some feature hand-sewn applique.
Brett Harper will join the Charley Harper Quilt Debut at Promont with a book signing of the new release, “Harper Ever After.”
“Harper Ever After” was released in March and features an essay by Sara Caswell-Pearce, with introduction and commentary by Brett Harper. The book includes more than 200 full-color reproductions of paintings, photographs, and prints that follow the early lives of Cincinnati artists Charley, and wife Edie, Harper.
“We are truly honored to host Brett at Promont and thrilled to include the book signing in our show,” commented Donna Amann, administrator, Greater Milford Area Historical Society. “This promises to be a huge event for Harper fans.”
Brett Harper will be available from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM on Saturday, May 9, the opening day of the quilt show at Promont.
For more information on the Greater Milford Area Historical Society call 513/248-0324; email the Society at [email protected]; or, visit GMAHS on the web.