In 2006 I was invited to teach at a wonderful quilt show in Duluth MN, called Quilting By the Waterfront. The organizer Helen Smith Stone asked if I could curate a small exhibit of quilts from my art quilt group PAQA to premier at the show. I said sure, having no idea what that really meant. So I put out a call to the group for quilts based on the theme “WATER”. I was wonder struck and over whelmed when I received 75 entries!! Each quilt had to be 18” square or smaller and each person needed to submit a quilted self portrait 4” x 5” to hang with the quilt.
This is the description that traveled with the show.
WATER
In the PAQA tradition of encouraging our members to explore new territory, the eighth PAQA challenge explores WATER.
The PAQA Water Challenge is a collection of
75 small quilts all using water as the inspiration for their work. The
quilts show an amazing variety of techniques, fabrics, colors and
subjects.
Water is a necessity of life.
It refreshes, cleanses and relaxes us. Each quilt shows the unique view of its maker, which can be seen in the individual approach of each quilter to the idea of water when viewing this exhibit. Techniques used include using hand printed and hand dyed fabrics as well as a variety of other kinds of fabrics, incorporating beadwork, several methods of appliqué and traditional pieced quilting.
PAQA is the Professional Art Quilters Alliance
located in Glen Ellyn IL. The membership is dedicated to promoting
art quilting and expanding the influence and boundaries of quilting. Artists from IL, WI, MI, IA and IN come each month to network and show new work.
Member Frieda Anderson, author and prize winning quilter organized this exhibit. For further information you can contact her at quiltgoddess@gmail.com
This show has finally finished traveling. It traveled for three years to a variety of diverse venues and from the show six quilts were sold in all. I learned a lot of things about organizing and caring for a traveling show and I am very glad that I had the opportunity to do this. If the chance presents itself again I will probably accept. You can go to the following link to see all the quilts and their self portraits at http://www.friestyle.com/paqawater.htm
I just read a great entry on Leni Wiener’s blog, called Finding your Voice. Take a look, I think you will enjoy it.
Frieda - Thanks again for a great workshop in Minneapolis! I learned a lot about free-motion quilting and now will practice, practice, practice!
As I told you I am sending a picture of how I used the quilt I made in your class "Dancing Trees" in Chicago a couple of years ago as the focal point of my studio. You can see how the walls are lime green and your quilt design is on the wall that faces me when I walk in the room. I smile whenever I look at it. In fact I also have "Laughing Leaves" hanging in there and the opposite wall is painted orange and has Laura's design "Cat and Flower" on it, as well as her inspiration for the heart out of scraps quilt. So, in total I have 4 of Laura and your designs in my studio! I am completely in love with your designs!
I have also attached the "Tulips" quilt that I did as well.
Thank you for such great inspiration and generosity!
BarbAnn
http://passiontocreate.blogspot.com
Without art-reality would be unbearable.
It also makes me happy seeing other people’s work space. Thanks for sharing!
Laura and I just got back from Des Moines. Of course we had a great time and saw lots of familiar faces and friends. Waiting for me among my mail was my copy of the new Skinny Table Runners Quilts II Book.
My quilt Aspen Leaves is one of the projects. 
The book is very well done with 15 delightful table runners to make. This book would make a great gift for that person who likes to decorate for every holiday.
Laura says she’ll be lonely in booth 516 in Des Moines, IA, without me to kick around (I am teaching at the show and won’t be in the booth), so come on by and keep her company, and while you are there you can pick out a unique piece of gorgeous hand dyed cotton or silk. It’s only fabric cut it up and use it.!!!
