February 9 – June 15
People mark special events – marriages, births, and new beginnings – by giving. The act reveals fundamental connections. Parents are bonded to their children, neighbors are connected to one another, and friends stay in touch over long distances. We reach out to others at different times as well – when people are in pain or need, and in times of crisis.
This exhibition examines a small set of gifts, quilts that one person has lovingly made for another. Some were made by mothers for children or grandchildren. Others were made by concerned people who just wanted to help. Someone gave of their time to make each of these textiles for someone else. They chose their patterns and 
colors carefully. They cut and stitched their good wishes into a work of art. All show in a powerful way how actions can communicate more than words.
Drawing on the museum’s acclaimed Pottinger Collection of Amish Quilts, this exhibit focuses on the human connections behind the stitches. Quilting Blocks & Binding Threads will display 36 quilts that illustrate the concepts of making things for others, the power of personal creativity, and what a gift can mean when it is given from the heart. The overall display pays homage to the quilt as one of the first examples of American modern art.
Quilting Blocks & Binding Threads is sponsored by the Quilter’s Guild of Indianapolis with support from the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the City of Indianapolis, Mountain Mist, and P&B Textiles.
Hands-on activities and demonstrations will unravel the meaning of these very special coverings, which warm the hearts of both creator and recipient. Click here to find out more about special programming in conjunction with this exhibit.
Visit our related links page for more quilting information.