“QUILTING THROUGH THE AGES”

Opening Reception – Sunday, September 26   2 pm – 4 pm
Exhibition Runs – September 26 through November 1

Sarah Chamberlin Bottoms and her husband Ben hold up a quilt made by Sarah’s Great Great Aunt Carlotta Norton Smith, this Stars and Blocks pattern was show in the 1893 Columbian Worlds Fair.

Quilts in all shapes, sizes and design patterns have played a part in so much of early American life that they have become iconic symbols of home and hearth to many. Quilts and the art of quilting remain the interest of many collectors and artisans throughout the nation… so much so that quilt shows and shops are quite popular and draw a large following. It is the iconic quilt that is the centerpiece of the newest exhibit “Quilting Through the Ages” opening at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum on Sunday, September 26.  A festive exhibit opening reception will be held in the Museum courtyard from 2 pm to 4 pm that day.  

The idea for the upcoming exhibit, which features a look at quilting through the 1800’s to contemporary times was born early this year when long-time Museum volunteer Cheryl Morris stopped in at the Creation Station Fabric Store in Buellton and was amazed at the huge array of quilts and fabrics on display. Cheryl immediately thought that an exhibit of historic quilts from local Valley families would be a perfect fit for the Historical Museum.  The idea was then presented to Museum Director Chris Bashforth who agreed  that the museum could mount a quilt exhibit in the fall of 2010.

Ms. Morris agreed to be the curator of the exhibit  which she titled “Quilting Through the Ages” and set about finding quilts owned by locals that could be displayed in an interesting and educational exhibit.

In Cheryl’s search for quilts to display in the exhibit she discovered that  there are many historic quilts in the community that have been lovingly preserved by long-time Valley families. Ms. Morris discovered that many of the quilts carry fascinating histories and a genealogy of the families who owned them through the years. “I was so amazed to find that behind every quilt is a unique story,”  said Ms. Morris.

In her quest for quilts to display in the Museum exhibit Ms. Morris met many local people who collect and create beautiful contemporary quilts. She knew that the museum exhibit would be a perfect place to show current quilting as well as the historical quilts of the past century.  Many of the comtemporary people have lent their quilt creations to the exhibition.

In addition to Valley residents’ quilts the exhibit features the handicraft of three Santa Barbara women, two who are in their 90’s. One of the nonagenarians restores old quilts to give them new life and the other woman makes baby quilts for various philanthropic organizations.

The Museum’s “Quilting Through the Ages” exhibit will feature quilts of every variety, vintage quilted clothing, period sewing machines and irons along with interpretive information about a number of the local families who donated the items. Quilt collectors and quilters will enjoy this local emphasis along with the large variety of quilted items on display.

At the exhibit opening Sunday, September 26 an extraordinary quilted car cover made for museum member Leslie Zomalt’s husband by a group of friends will be draped over Zomalt’s car which will be parked in front of the Museum entrance. This one-of-a-kind piece is truly a show stopper and a creation of love. The Zomalts call the quilted cover their “car cozy”.

The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum is located at 3596 Sagunto Street in the heart of downtown Santa Ynez. For additional information please call the Museum, 688-7889, www.santaynezmuseum.org

The Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House is open to the public each Wednesday  - Sunday, noon to 4 pm.