Quilt National 2007 – YAY!!!
On Sunday I received an email from Quilt National with the subject line You are IN! For non quilters the significance of those 3 words might not seem like much but in the art quilt world getting into the biennial Quilt National exhibit is kind of like winning an Oscar.
Yahoo!!! Much needed positive news for a rather difficult week.
This is the 3rd time in a row that I’ve been accepted into this show and while I do my best to not rely on outside validation, like all artists, these types of acceptances help in instilling self confidence in my work.
This year they selected 86 pieces for the show from the 1151 submitted. Back before I started getting into this show I used to think it was a crap shoot to get it. And maybe it is at those odds. But to get in 3 times in a row, I guess I’m doing something right. Or maybe I’m just really lucky. Although I do think that good luck seems to happen to those that put in the most hard work.
This morning I recieved my formal acceptance letter and I finally found out which of my pieces was accepted. Structures #55 it is, which is what I expected. I made this quilt last December and entered it into Visions. It was rejected. I entered the 3 pieces from Visions into Crafts National. Again it was rejected (but the other 2 pieces were accepted). I decided at that point to just hold the quilt for Quilt National (they have strict rules about prior showings of accepted work) because I’ve always felt this was one of the better pieces I’ve made.
On Memorial day weekend 2007, Quilt National 2007 will open to the public at the Dairy Barn in Athens, Ohio and Structures #55 and I will be in attendance.
Yay!!
The opening is far in the future because Lark Books will be publishing a catalog of the works in the show as they do for each exhibit. These hard cover books document the history of the art quilt movement and I’m excited to be part of that history.
We have to have the quilts to Ohio in 9 days for photography for the book. Along with a whole bunch of paperwork (the downside of acceptance I suppose).
At this point I’ve decided not to post an image of the work prior to the opening. I might change my mind but for now you will have to wait until next May to see the piece.
Posted by Lisa in: Art Exhibits
That is wonderful! I love to look at your work (over and over again..)and to read your blog. You’re such an inspiration!
Julie in Montreal
Congratulations!
Congratulations Lisa! That is fantastic and wonderful news. I do think your hardwork is getting the recognition that you deserve.
As for validation, I think we all like a pat on the back and especially inclusion into a international event that like you wrote is the oscar of quilting would qualify…peer acknowledgment!
Congratulations Lisa. What fortitude and talent to prevail with those odds! While I won’t be able to view Quilt National in person, I am grateful that technology means that I will be able to enjoy Structures #55 in due course.
Oh many, many congratulations … not only for getting accepted this year but also 3 consecutive years!!!! And to think that the piece was turned down before … its a strange, strange world.
I bet you are feeling on top of the world!
Congratulations, Lisa!
I went to your site in hopes of seeing #55. Instead I had a quick review of many of your quilts, followed the timeline and can only surmise that #55 is indeed something special. Your excitement makes me miss competitions which I gave up some time ago… but haven’t forgotten the surge of pride that comes with acceptance.
Thanks all! I’m still really excited but as I fill out the paperwork – ugh – tons of work – the shine is wearing off a bit. Once the quilt is in the mail tomorrow I’ll get excited about it all over again.
KJ – someday I’m hoping to give up competitions also – and I actually seem them as a bit of a crutch for me right now. I basically get into 90%+ and it’s easy – fill out a few forms. It’s time to move on and do more solo shows – I just need to make the time to put some packets together and apply. Which is what I was referring to on your blog. I’m sure if I just sit back people will approach me (I got 2 nice invitational shows recently with this approach) but if I did a bit more directed marketing I’m sure things would take off much better. It’s just a matter of doing it!