Mountain Laural Quilt Guild Exhibit 2014 Part 2

Mountain Laural Quilt Guild Exhibit 2014 Part 2

 

 

When entering the Gmeiner, I was mindful that this was a celebration of many women's accomplishments, many of whom I know.   At the same time, I was also very aware that this would be the last time my dear friend, Mary Jane (if you don't know who I'm referring to, you can click here and here) would have entered a quilt in the show and I have a difficult time holding back tears.

When I walked past this next display...there was no holding back tears...and I did my very best to smile and honor Mary Jane's memory while enjoying the company of other woman who knew and appreciated her.  Not sure I did a very good job...but that was my goal!

 

 

Walking through the exhibit was a big high for me because I know many of these gals and to see there work being displayed and admired is such a big buzz.  Leaving Mary Jane's entry for absolute last, I figured I could keep from needing a childs swimming pool to collect the fluid that might rush forth from my face.

 Taking a step back I noticed two Pennsylvania Block quilts.  The one on the right belongs to Chris Cooper and her description is below.  What a gift all of these women share....the time and ability to get together and sew.  A block exchange seems like such a loving and  giving project, I'm going to consider starting one with some friends as well.  Having children and a business has kept me from being able to participate in many of this groups projects...at the same time....I've had the pleasure of seeing their work and knowing them....a treasure!

 

Speaking of treasures.....there was a Waldo sighting at the show!!!  

Yes indeed....Rosemary aka Waldo traveled along with me and she sure is a treasure.  The small quilts behind Waldo are part of the "Colors of Cancer" exhibit.  These quilts were made by members of the guild in memory of a person has died from cancer, been a survivor of cancer or because they wanted to make an art quilt to be sold to raise money for the American Cancer Society of Tioga County.  I bought the small blue one above Waldo and to the right.  What a wonderful project!

There are many more quilts that I was not able to photograph.  The exhibit was full for the opening and I felt lucky to get the photos I did take.  

Never forget, kindness matters!

Smiles,

Kelly

Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild Exhibit 2014, Wellsboro PA

Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild Exhibit 2014, Wellsboro PA

Sept. 5-28th 

Held at the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center

A quick trip back to PA to honor the memory of my girlfriend and see the MLQG Quilt Show that was dedicated to Mary Jane.   Reetha Shumway, who has also passed, was  honored as well.  I remember Mary Jane telling me many times about the two sisters, Reetha and Ruth Ann,  who had made piles of charity quilts and how she admired their dedication to providing so many quilts to those who had served in the military.   Such fine women....and not only these..but so many more that belong to the MLQG.

The showing of the last quilt Mary Jane made, "Coming Home."

Words written by Madalene Murphy, the other very fine woman who co-founded the MLGQ.  She  continues to create, teach and inspire...a woman I admire greatly.

While I will always treasure the time I spent with Mary Jane (my life has been forever changed because she took the time to reach out and invite me to learn to hand quilt).....Mary Jane is not the only amazing woman I met while living and traveling to PA....there are many and you will see some of their quilts below.

 

 

 

To be continued.......

Smiles,
Kelly
PS...please keep in mind the lighting was not necessarily done for photography and there were lots of people and I could not always get the best angle to take the photographs.

The Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild's Show Opens Tonight

 The Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild Exhibit 2014 will be on display at the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center in Wellsboro, PA -- September 6-28, 2014 (open 2:00-5:00PM daily, free admission). Gala opening reception, Friday September 5, 2014 7:00-9:00PM.

The show is being dedicated to the memory of Mary Jane Ehlich.  

 If you live close enough or even within 7 hours drive (like me) it is well worth the trip to see the beautiful quilts that the gals of the Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild Make.  

The "Color of Cancer" is a fundraiser that will be going on during the show as well.  You can read more about this on the MLQG website, click HERE.

The raffle quilt is amazingly beautiful.....

Kate Means, the current MLQG President was interviewed recently about the exhibit and you can see that interview by clicking HERE.

OK, I've got to run now....if I'm going to be on time.  I hope to see you there...if not...I'll take pix and share them soon.

Joyful Smiles,
Kelly