Metaphors on Aging

Breath of Time, Lisa Jenni, USA

One of the best exhibits at the Festival of Quilts here in Birmingham is the SAQA show, Metaphors on Aging. Here's what the festival catalog says about the show:

"Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA), the world's largest organization of international quilt artists, is premiering 'Metaphors on Ageing'. The 37 artists whose work is included in this exhibition hail from the United States, Canada, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan and Taiwan.

"Ageing affects everyone in many different ways. We age, as do our parents, our children, our friends. Our bodies age; our minds age. Through the use of a wide variety of visual metaphors, these works show the impact of aging on our lives: three generations sharing a cup of tea, a decaying leaf, the effects of rust on fibre, an empty chair. These powerful images will draw you in and change how you think."

Evening Walk II, Cynthia St. Charles, USA

The show is getting lots of attention from visitors. As I know several of the artists, it has been fun for me to monitor the show and share my enthusiasm for the work on display and for SAQA itself. I've had a chance to meet some European members of the group too.

Precious Memories, Elly van Steenbeek, Netherlands

Although the ones I have chosen here are mostly neutral in palette, others were more colourful.

Second Hand, Linda Colsh, USA

Two mothers, two daughters and a dog, Bodil Gardner, Denmark

A couple of the other shows at the Festival are real stand-outs too. Unfortunately, two of the best do not allow photographs. I am very impressed with "The 5th European Quilt Triennial" and "Wiolan: Three Dutch Textile Artists." This latter show features the work of Anco Brouwers-Branderhorst, Olga Prins and Willy Doreleijers. I hope to have another look at these two shows before the festival ends on Sunday.

Old Dog, New Tricks, Maggie Vanderweit, Canada