Along with the American Quilting Society’s competition quilts and the quilts on display from the 500-member strong Des Moines Area Quilters Guild, there are always several special exhibits at the Des Moines Quilt Show. Here are some images from some of the special exhibits that caught my attention this year.

Most impressive to me was the work of Danny Amazonas in an exhibit titled “Freehand Patchwork.” It’s as though he took out a paint brush to create these quilts.

 

 

 

A couple of guests just couldn’t help themselves from getting up close to inspect Mr. Amazonas’ work.

 

Another impressive exhibit was called “Twisted: Modern Quilts with a Vintage Twist” and featured quilts made of antique textiles and vintage fabric fragments that were incorporated into a modern quilt style. The tops of these quilts were pieced together by Mary Kerr and then quilted by other quilters. We got to visit with Ms. Kerr and she pointed out that it was a leap of faith to allow other quilters to quilt the tops she had pieced.

 

This was the tenth year for the Des Moines Quilt Show so why not feature winning quilts from previous years?

Savior Faire (Grace) by Carole Floyd

 

Finally, there was “SAQA: The Declaration of Sentiments 1848 – The Struggle Continues” an exhibit that celebrates women’s accomplishments and honors throughout American history. Declaration of Sentiments is the foundational document of women’s rights that was drafted in Seneca Falls, NY in 1848.

“The Triangle Fire: Eyewitness” by Helen Geglio.

“Anonymous” by Shannon Conley

One final post will be forthcoming – the best of the rest.