 'The Matriarchs' took a road trip to Cary, North Carolina to be in the 'Reminiscence' show, put on by PAQA-south. I drove down this weekend to check on them and join them at the Artist Opening. The event was held in a beautiful venue. The Page-Walker Arts & History Center is a wonderful old building that now houses rotating art shows. They filled two floors with the entries juried into this show; and it made for a beautifully curated, diverse and high-quality exhibit of a wide range of styles of art quilting. It was a real surprise to walk in and see my ladies, greeting everyone as they hung, front and center, over the guestbook! I also found out they had appeared in the mailings and advertisements for the show - I thought it looked like their heads were a bit larger than when they left home! The show was fantastic and only surpassed by the wonderful people I met while there! The organizers from PAQA-south were enthusiastic and welcoming to all the attending artists. Great show - and a fun dinner of camaraderie out afterwards with many of the attendees. Here are a couple more shots of the venue:
But wait! There is more! The awards were announced during the opening, and 'The Matriarchs' were given a judge's choice award! A second judge's award given to Susan Lenz for the fabulous quilt made with vintage gloves and fabrics (shown below) and a gallery prize given to Cindy Pryer for her innovative 3d quilt (also shown below). Click on the photos to see them larger!
And a couple non-quilt related shots of the venue!
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 Last night we had an opening for the New Members show at the McGuffey here in Charlottesville. It was well attended and festive.
This is the third show I have participated in at the McGuffey. The first was a fundraiser, the second a Holiday show and this present show. I am so pleased to be involved with the caliber of artists represented by the McGuffey. It is a co-op that has been a mainstay of downtown Charlottesville for 40 years. The artist represent virtually every kind of visual art, and also dance and performance arts. I am on a waiting list for a rental studio in the center. There are about 40 artists on site, each of whom is actively working, teaching classes, and participating in many outreach programs. In the meantime, I have accepted a position as the Liaison for the Associate (non-rental) members. Wish me luck!
So I have decided to try some dust it off and try my hand at thread painting. I am hoping it will work a bit like a hand painted photos, but whatever happens, it will be fun spending time with the family Matriarchs the only way I can now. Hopefully they will whisper some ideas into my ear while I am working! Below is how I hand basted the major sewing lines to start with. Now onto the machine! Wish me luck!  To raise funds to buy new lighting, the McGuffey Art Center is hosting a art sale in November. They have distributed 12" x 12" boards to participating artists to do with as they wish... I wished to cover mine with fabric! This is the piece I have just finished. It was inspired by all the beautiful sunrises I recently saw in Virginia Beach. I have also included some close-ups so you can see the beads and stitches better! All of the works will be on sale for $150 each, and all the money will go for the light fixtures. 
 One of the great places here in Charlottesville is the McGuffey Art Center. It is an old elementary school refurbished into an artist incubator, gift shop and gallery. There are many studios for artist- in-residence, gallery spaces, classes, open life drawing, etc etc etc.... and .... wait for it... it is three blocks from my house!!!!
The first time I went there I was blown away by both the caliber of the art on display and the variety of artists involved. jewelery, print making painting of all sorts, sculpture, fiber, drawing, and even a performance area is available. The studios are open for people to walk in and talk to the artists and every one I met was really on the program of helping people to know more about their process and art in general. They jury artists in twice a year, and September was a jury time. I made some new fiber art, sharpened my resume, and created the all important artist statement so I could throw my hat into the ring. It was hard keeping my fingers crossed for several weeks, but it worked, and I got my notice of acceptance. I am thrilled to be a part of this organization. There will be an upcoming holiday show and then a show for the new artists.I am also making a piece to donate to their fund raiser in November. I guess I better get busy! I will keep you posted!
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