This weekend judge Jerry Jacobson and I viewed Art Quilts XIII: Lucky Break so he could select the winners in the judged portion of the show. Jerry is an abstract artist who has long been a fan of the AQ exhibitions, and who enjoys viewing the best the show has to offer. His definition of the best? When the quilting techniques add to wonderful composition and skill.

It is only logical then that he bestowed first place on Sedona III by Marilyn Gillis of Vermont. This marvelous piece displays an expert's control of dyeing techniques in a wholecloth work heightened by quilting and beadwork. It is neither overworked or understated. It is by any definition, just right.

Second place was captured by Linda Colsh of Belgium for Drawing on the Mist (also selected for the promotional postcard).

Third place was awarded to Terri Nichols of Wisconson for Mask of Self, her first entry into a national show.

Congratulations all around!

Here are the first four photographs from opening night at the Art Quilts XIII: Lucky Break exhibition in Chandler, Arizona. We created lots of physical "breaks" with the movable wall units this year, giving the viewers a variety of groupings to explore and inviting them to find what lies around the corner. The quilts installed on the flip side of these walls and on the perimeter walls will be available for viewing later.
I've lost track of how to insert captions! The lovely lady by the blue quilt is Benedicte Caneill who came all the way from Larchmont, N.Y. to be with us for opening night.

The Colsh Connection

Art Quilts XIII: Lucky Break chose this great work by Linda Colsh for its promotional postcard.

A new day!

Two years ago (possibly four years ago!), I spoke with a young man working in the arts about how valuable a blog can be. I, former newspaper reporter and ex-president of the Arizona Press Club, could not imagine ever needing a blog. What the world needs to retain, I thought, are focused news sources. How could so many opinions floating around the universe by untrained writers be helpful? Who has the time to write all these thoughts or to read them?

Last week, aol took down our Art Quilts website. I failed to recognize whatever email warned of this impending doom. Suddenly, I found myself in need of a communication update. So, now that Art Quilts XIII: Lucky Break is installed, the name tags are made and a vague awareness is in place that unused white gloves are in my house, I am giving blogging a whirl. People need to see pictures of the opening tomorrow night, and google has made it possible for even a technophobe like me to create this tool.

I still have my doubts if anyone reads these things, gets business from these things or actually needs these things, despite all evidence to the contrary. But newspapers are disappearing right and left, if not in actuality in presence. The comfort I found in laying out pages, editing copy and working with the professionals in composing and the press room has almost vanished.

Here's to hope for a new day -- and readers!