Lectures and Workshops by Ann Wasserman

Workshops

	"Care and Repair of Antique Quilts" All old textiles are fragile pieces and careful thought should be given to their storage or use. The distinction between repair and conservation is an important one, and materials and techniques for both processes will be presented and demonstrated. Proper methods of cleaning, display, and storage of quilts will also be discussed. Participants are requested to bring an old quilt for specific instructions. This workshop requires a carousel projector and screen.
	"Molas: A Look at Cuna Indian Textiles" Molas are blouses made by Cuna Indian women from the San Blas Islands of Panama. They are recognized for their intricate and creative designs and fine workmanship. Learn about the development of the craft and then begin a mola using the reverse applique technique. Choose between: 1. Beginning level, in which applique is taught. Students begin a small practice mola. More complex designs will be described and demonstrated. 2. Advanced level, in which applique experience is a prerequisite. Students begin a full-size, more complex project and, in keepimg with the traditions of mola making, have the option of creating their own design. These workshops require a carousel projector and screen.
	"Discover Your Creativity" This class is directed towards those with some quilting experience who would like to "do their own thing", but don't know how to start. We'll do some color and design exercises to help unlock creative talents. In the workshop, each student will learn how to pose a "problem" to solve in her next quilt. Various techniques of design and construction will be presented, according to each student's skill level and the qualities of the basic idea behind her quilt. Design styles can range from using traditional blocks, varying or combining traditional blocks, original block design, quilts not structured in blocks, to designing while sewing, and so on. The class will deal mainly with designs and mockups. Some students may begin sewing, but this should not be expected. The class begins and ends with each student sharing her source of inspiration and the quilt design she is developing from it.
	"Kaleidoscopic Variations" Design a wall quilt using my own variation of the traditional kaleidoscope pattern. There are many interesting overall designs that can be found in this one patchwork pattern. We will discuss using gradated colors, so this could be a great way to use a packet of hand-dyed fabrics. Experience piecing an eight-pointed center and inset corners (eg. LeMoyne star) is required.

	"Nineteenth Century American Quilts as Women's Art" Historically, a woman's expression of her artistic talents were confined mostly to the home and to the needlearts in particular. This is explored by looking at the role quilts have played as bed coverings, and by looking at quiltmaking in the contexts of the family, of groups of women, and of society as a whole. The past decades have seen antique quilts take on a new role as they are more and more often being hung on the wall and appreciated as art objects. The talents of anonymous quiltmakers of the past century are discussed in this context in terms of color, balance, design, etc. Guests are invited to bring quilts for discussion as time allows.
	"Quilt Patterns: The history of inspiration" Quiltmaking is a folk art - the bed quilt is a practical object within the household. Quilt designs, as with other folk art designs, are derived from objects and ideas in the everyday world surrounding the artists. Works of both past and present quiltmakers are shown, and the sources of inspiration they have used teach us about their lives and their beliefs. Guests are invited to bring quilts for discussion as time allows.
	"How Old Is It? Dating antique quilts" For most quilt collectors, knowing the ages of their quilts is very important. The fabrics used in a quilt hold the most direct information on age. A large part of this lecture is devoted to the history of fabrics, dyes, and printing techniques. Other factors, such as pattern, size, batting, etc., that can add to the determination of the quilt's age are also discussed. Guests are invited to bring quilts for discussion as time allows.
	"Quilts Reinterpreted" The techniques of quiltmaking were brought to this country by European settlers. These traditions were introduced to native peoples and to other cultural groups that migrated here who had no strong quiltmaking traditions of their own. This presentation explores the ways in which techniques, design sources, and function were selectively adopted and reinterpreted by these other cultural groups. Groups whose artistry is presented include the Amish, Afro-Americans, Hawaiians, Seminole, Plains, Woodland and Cuna Indians.
	"Art or Craft? One Quilter's Journey" The art world distinguishes between fine art, fine craft, and craft. Quilters trying to enter the art world find themselves caught up in this discussion. I begin with an overview of the traditional place of quilts in the craft category, and the recent appearance of quilts as art. What does it mean to be an artist? Does it really matter? I then describe the path my own quiltmaking has taken as I try to answer these questions for myself.
	"Construction Zone: Quilt in Progess" Wonderful quilts do not necessarily spring forth fully formed; there is not some mystical "something" that only a few lucky people possess. Perseverance, trust, and a sense of humor are only a few of the other qualities necessary. This lecture follows the design process from original inspiration through completed art quilt. Step-by-step views show many design decisions, false-starts, and changes of direction. In preparing for this lecture, not even the slides came out as I'd originally planned!
	"Discover Your Creativity" Explore creativity - what is it? - how does it work? - what does it feel like? Both historical and contemporary examples will be shown and discussed in terms of the creative spark and the creative process behind the work. All quilts are fabric interpretations of mood, place, objects, color, geometry, and so on. Discover your own personal brand of creativity.
	"Quilts as Historic Documents" Every quilt can reveal many things about its maker, and the social and economic milieu in which she lived. This lecture takes a look at the American quilt as a window to American history.