Power Suits: An Art Quilt Challenge Exhibit

Opening reception:  June 7 from 5-7pm

Exhibit dates:  June 7 - July 20, 2012

Two years ago a local tailor offered Virginia quilter Cyndi Souder his outdated fabric swatches and a phenomenal quilt challenge was born.Cyndi Souder of Moonlighting Quilts in Northern Virginia is an art quilter, a quilt teacher, and a lover of all things fabric. When she first saw the boxes and boxes of shirting and suiting swatches, she knew she had to think bigger than her own studio. She realized she wanted to invite other quilters to play. Because of her proximity to Washington, DC, the theme of “Power Suits” seemed obvious.  Cyndi teamed up with Judy Gula of Artistic Artifacts in Alexandria, packaged the swatches and offered these inspiring packets free to interested quilters.  Participants were invited to interpret the theme “Power Suits.”The exhibit includes 104 eighteen inch square quilts, addressing such diverse topics as politics, family, work, life, playing cards, and super heroes.  Interesting how those bundles of fabric and those two words -- Power and Suit -- inspired so many artists across the US and Canada.Sponsored by The Law Offices of Sean D. Gregg and the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the exhibit is free and the public is welcome. To see all 104 quilts, visit the Morin Gallery and satellite exhibits at Virginia National Bank (102 East Main Street, Orange, Virginia, hours: M-Th 8:30-5, Fri 8:30-6, Sat 9-noon) and The Law Offices of Sean D. Gregg (111 East Main Street, Orange, Virginia, hours: Monday-Friday, 9-5).Quilt images:“Power Suited Him” by Cyndi Souder“Suffragettes Picketing in Washington, DC” by Judy Gula“All Systems are Go” by Cheryl Sleboda“Royal Flush” by Kris Bishop