Karen Cunagin quilt in TCQC 08-12-12

After posting this quilt on my Blog on 5-25-12 I kept visiting it at Visions Art Museum and thinking about how much I liked it.  Finally, I called the museum and told them to mark it sold.   Later that same day I made a quick stop at The Sewing Party Quilt Shop and there was Karen Cunagin teaching a class!  I could not pass up the chance to let her know that her quilt was sold, so I interrupted the class to give her a hug and tell her.  Very bad manners - but she was thrilled.  And I am thrilled to have this beautiful quilt in the Collection.   


"Cross the Road" Karen Cunagin - Fallbrook, CA 2011 54"W x 55"L
Fused applique, piecing, machine quilting. Commercial cotton fabrics.

For details and my previous comments see:

http://www.delquilts.blogspot.com/2012/05/secrets-stories-at-vam-05-25-12.html

Preview night at QFestival - Long Beach 07-26-12

Preview night at Quilt Festival is always a chance to look at the quilts without the crowds.  I didn't go around looking tonight as I was working at the Visions Art Museum, but tomorrow I will go back - looking, photographing and visiting.  I hope to post some pictures tomorrow evening. 

 
Del Thomas, volunteer, and Beth Smith, Director of Visions Art Museum, at Quilt Festival - Long Beach, CA.  Hanging behind them is Karen Cunegin's quilt "Change Your Mind"  2011 54" x 63" which was part of the Secrets and Stories exhibit that just closed at VAM.

"Secrets & Stories" at VAM 05-25-12

The current exhibit at Visions Art Museum is worth a visit.  Andrea Bacal, President of Quilt Visions, selected nine artists whose work includes story-telling themes were invited to show their work.  There is a nice range of clearly stated tales and images that require a some thinking.  The technical work is good, done by artists who have learned their craft.  Look from a distance and then move in close to see the details and the small surprises tucked into the overall image.
The artists include Rachel Brumer, Michael Cummings, Karen Cunagin,Wendy Huhn, Carolyn Mazloomi, Lori Lupe Pelish, Wendeane Ke'aka Stitt, Susan Shie, Anna Torma.  

http://www.visionsartmuseum.org/

"Cross the Road"  Karen Cunagin - Fallbrook, CA  2011  54"W x 55"L

Fused applique, piecing, machine quilting.  Commercial cotton fabrics.
See the last picture for the wall label for this quilt.   www.karencunagin.com

Karen has given me permission to post this quilt to my Blog.  Thanks, Karen.

  

Such an elegant, proud fellow, striding out to "cross the road". 

Great selection for a background fabric.  

 

Here is a little friend offering a snack - striped worms are extra tasty, as everyone knows.

 
This traditional block from the 1930's (shown in Brackman as 3345) done in gutsy colors goes so well with this big guy.  I'm always attracted to art quilts that include traditional blocks - a reference to the original form.

With this exhibit VAM presents more information about the quilts on the wall labels, something I hope they will continue in the future.  It is a great way to educate and promote quilts in any form.  If a viewer wants to read them, they can, if not, they can just ignore them.
 

Visions Art Museum - San Diego 03-18-12

The weather didn't look promising for a drive to San Diego today, but my friends Teresa and Carol and I had a hard time finding a day we were all available for a visit to the exhibits at VAM.  However, the day turned out to be mostly sunny and when it did rain we were inside.  We each had an umbrella and perhaps that was enough to ward off the rain!  Driving home it was very windy, but the traffic was light and we made the trip in less than two hours - record time.  The blue Pacific was anything but pacific and a picture would have been nice, but I needed to keep both hands on the wheel due to the wind.  Next time - when I don't have precious passengers with me.

Teresa Malinowski, Del Thomas, Carol Bednar. 
Karen Cunagin was "sitting" the gallery and was willing to take this picture for us.

We had lunch at the Tin Roof, just a block from the Museum - Crab Benedict and 
Grilled Shrimp Sandwiches with delicious cold German Cole Slaw (that is the one made with vinegar/sugar dressing - no mayo).  We had a lovely day together.