Join the Bainbridge Public Library and the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association for “Modern Quadrilaterals” – November 2019 First Friday Art Walk – November 1st, 5pm – 7pm

The Bainbridge Public Library is dedicated to spreading the joy of reading and the discovery of ideas with not just our local community, but visitors from near and afar. In addition, the library is fortunate to house beautiful local works of art both inside and outside the building. Each month the library celebrates a local artist (or artists) with an exhibit, which opens monthly on the Island’s First Friday Art Walk tour, and includes a reception hosted by the featured artist(s).

This month, the Library is partnering with the Downtown Association to feature

The Bainbridge Island Modern Quilt Guild “Modern Quadrilaterals”

For the past few years, the Bainbridge Island Modern Quilt Guild (BIMQG) has challenged its members with a theme, and asked that they interpret that theme—whether it be simplistic, intricate, or something in between—while also infusing their own individuality into their pieces. The requirements are few; the quilt must be 24” or less, and the quilter must incorporate one or more characteristics of “modern quilts” as outlined by the national Modern Quilt Guild. Deb Wuensch, President of the BIMQG beautifully summarized those characteristics, as well as past and present BIMQG’s themes:

 “Examples of these characteristics could be the use of asymmetry, improvisation, negative space, simplicity and minimalism, alternative block structure, reinterpreted tradition, inspiration of modern art and architecture, and a distinct aesthetic of colors whether it be the use of bold colors, solid colors, graphic prints and/or neutrals in white and gray. 

Our past guild themes have included: Traditional Block Gone Modern, a Red, White and Blue challenge, a Log Cabin Variation and this year’s challenge was to explore shape in the form of quadrilaterals.  Simply, quadrilaterals have 4 sides, 4 angles and 4 vertices, and more complexly, its many forms include square, rectangle, parallelogram, rhombus, kite, and trapezoid. These challenges are a wonderful way to encourage members to experiment with new ways to approach their quilting and design skills. This is also an informative and inspirational way for us and the public to see how many incredible ways the art of quilting can be interpreted, which is what modern quilting is all about!”

The Bainbridge Island Modern Quilt Guild is a non-profit organization designed for charitable and educational purposes. Modern quilting incorporates function rather than decorative in its quilts. Using asymmetry in designs, relying less on repetition, reinterpreting traditional quilt patterns, and embracing simplicity and minimalism. They utilize alternative block structure and increase the use of negative space—concentrating on bold colors, graphic prints, and gray and white as neutrals. Their quilts are inspired by modern art and architecture and they frequently use improvisational piecing methods.

The BIMQG encourages the art of modern quilting by working with other guilds and groups, and teaching new quilters and other fiber artists that are interested in non-traditional fiber projects. Classes, workshops and the sharing of information are available, visit their website for more information. Monthly meeting and Sew-Ins are held the second Sunday of each month (except May which is the third Sunday). Meeting sites and times vary monthly, and updates are available on their Facebook page, or you can join their email list for updated information at http://www.bainbridgeislandmodernquiltguild.com/.

The exhibit at the library will run from 5pm to 7pm, however, the downtown First Friday Art Walk, will continue on until 8pm.

Winslow Way and surrounding area, Downtown Bainbridge Island
First Friday of every month, 6-8 PM
Produced by Bainbridge Island Downtown Association
Sponsored by the City of Bainbridge Island 

Spend an evening experiencing all that downtown Bainbridge has to offer, enjoy visiting participating galleries and businesses, have a glass of wine or other refreshments at various venues, and whet your appetite with small plates offered by participating restaurants. The walk begins on Winslow Way (near the ferry terminal) from 6pm to 8pm.

You can view the Modern Quadrilaterals exhibit throughout the month of November during regular library hours and on the library website, www.bainbridgepubliclibrary.org.  You can also listen to a podcast with the Guild at https://www.bestofbcb.org/arts-041-bi-modern-quilt-guild-show/.

As always, thank you for supporting your Bainbridge Public Library and local artists – Linda Meier, art coordinator. If you have interest in exhibiting your work, feel free to contact Linda at lindameier2000@gmail.com

*Library content and logo provided by Linda Meier, Bainbridge Public Library
*Artwork poster provided by Bainbridge Island Downtown Association
*Quilt images and BIMQG information provided by Jeanette Alexander and Deb Wuensch