LIHU‘E — The Garden Isle Quilters Fifth annual Exhibit and Sale opens Friday at 10 a.m. at the Kaua‘i Society of Artists gallery at Kukui Grove Center.
“We will open the doors at 10 a.m. on Friday, and will be open Friday only until 7 p.m.,” said mLea Ingram, one of The Garden Isle Quilters member. “Our ‘Meet the Artist’s Reception’ will be taking place from 5 to 7 p.m. with light refreshments served. Come join us and find out all you wish to know about how our quilts have come to be.”
The Exhibit and Sale will be available daily through Aug. 24. The show is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special Friday hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Garden Isle Quilters include Jeni Hardy, Ingram, Lesley Morris, Linda Matthews and Toni Wass.
“Jeni won’t be able to be present at this year’s show because of illness,” Ingram said. “Although we will miss her presence, Jeni’s work will be up for display, and available to purchase. She has been working hard for a year.”
On exhibit and many available to purchase, the quilters have put together a diverse display of quilts ranging from everyday to fine art quilts. All quilts are ready to carry away, and shipping is available. Credit cards are also accepted.
Linda Matthews, another of the GI Quilters, said her “new” items include table runners, picnic quilts, large throw quilts and “a stunning jewel toned king-sized quilt featuring Kaffe Fassett fabrics.”
“I’m still relatively new to quilting so I’m just making lots of different quilts with fun and beautiful fabrics,” Matthews said. “My goal is always to get the project finished which is often easier said than done.”
A Donation Quilt will benefit Kumu’s Cupboard, a nonprofit organization that supports the island’s teachers by providing educators a “free” place to shop for classroom supplies.
“Teachers spend a lot of their own money for classroom supplies,” Morris said. “We took a tour of Kumu’s Cupboard to learn more about what they’re doing, and I was surprised to learn that there are some teachers who spend in the thousands of dollars for supplies.”
“The art of quilting combines many challenges,” Morris said. “My style has changed over time with many influences from artist, quilters, and crafters alike. There is something to learn from everyone. My goal with my art is to create movement, to entertain, and keep the eye.”
Ingram said this exhibit and show will have a donation jar where all monies collected will be donated to the Kaua‘i Society of Artists to help maintain and support their generous sharing of the gallery space at Kukui Grove Center.
“I would love for my art to touch the hearts of those who see it; to encourage them to look at things in a new way, to have a deeper insight into the beauty that is around us always, and to share my gratitude and joy for life,” Ingram said.
Wass said she’s brought a bunch of new things for this year’s exhibit, including bags, needle wallets and smaller pieces to appeal to a broader audience.
“I think I’ve gotten more conscious of precision,” Wass said. “I can acknowledge when I need to make something intricate, and something simple in design, and appreciate the process of all. I have a goal in mind, and it always varies. Sometimes it is to use a certain fabric or set of fabrics. Sometimes it is a design that I’ve been wanting to try. Sometimes it is as simple as ‘Gee, I want to finish that.’”
Ingram said The Garden Isle Quilters have become a nonprofit organization with the intention of furthering the awareness, understanding and appreciation of the art of quilting.
To learn more go to www.gardenislequilters.com.
