12" X 12" To Benefit SAQA

Each year SAQA (Studio Art Quilters Association) sponsors an auction. All of the money raised goes to fund SAQA's amazing array of projects; books and sponsorahips. This year's auction began today. There are many amazing pieces made by both top notch, very well known art quilters as well by hopefuls like me. This is a reverse auction - and I am sure that there are many of you who understand that process much better than I do. The quilts begin at $750. and then are reduced in auction price each day. There were some works sold today that were both stunning as well as timely. I congratulate all of the artists whose donated a 12"X12" art quilt to this wonderful fund raiser for SAQA. If you lust for some eye candy - go and have a look at this incredible array of fine work. Thanks SAQA for this "gallery show"!

This is my donated piece - called "Finding Your Way". Although perhaps not on par with some of these well known folks , it is a piece I am fond of. It is painted on linen with both acrylics and thread. The backing fabric was hand dyed from black walnuts that I collected from my favorite tree - outside the window at work. It's a venerable tree & I love it in every season! Money if tight right now I know - and so this may return home to me if it does not sell during the weeks of the auction. I am so hoping though, that someone will like it enough to want it to go home with them. SAQA rocks and this is a great way to support it !

Run, Don't Walk, To Own This Book!

This is one of those books that takes my breath away! Martha Sielman , who is a wonderful art quilter as well as the executive director of SAQA, did an outstanding job of editing this book. Although I think there are other artists who are worthy of inclusion in a book like this, I think that the artists who were chosen are, truly, masters of the art quilt. Who knows, maybe there will be a sequel to this book! The book is formatted as a gratifyingly chunky square that feels good in the hand - while the pages feel good to the soul!

The biographical notes are wonderful.

I like the way artist quotes are included next to the photographs.

I love being able to put an artist's name to some quilts that I have always loved - but did not remember who made them. This is just a book that should be moved from your "wish list" to your hands. It is a book that I think you will not tire of and that you will enjoy for years to come. Run, don't walk, to own this book now!