UCM Division of Art & Design to Present Juried Quilt Exhibition

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) Gallery of Art & Design presents “In or Out: Perspectives in Fiber,”  a juried exhibition of art quilts opening August 19, 2024.

The exhibition is organized by the Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma region of the Studio Art Quilts Association, Inc. (SAQA).

For this exhibition, SAQA KS/MO/OK invited regional artists to express the primary theme of “In or Out” in a creative or innovative way. This directive could conjure a literal interpretation of “in or out” as of a physical space such as a room or a conceptual one such as “in or out” of social conformity/compliance.

Artworks in the show were selected by Janeen Mason, a noted artist, curator, author/illustrator, speaker and arts advocate from Florida’s Treasure Coast. She has worked as a curator at the Lighthouse Art Center since 2016, where her world-class exhibitions have ranged from “Building Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim” to “Soul on Art: Ghosts of Africa.” These exhibits have featured pieces on loan from some of the country’s most significant collectors.

An avid champion for the arts, Janeen has served in appointed positions under three governors, as the Vice Chair of the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and as a member of the Florida Department of State’s Strategic Planning Task Force under the Division of Cultural Affairs.

Mason selected the works in the show according to four criteria with the goal of highlighting the breadth of expression within the community. Her criteria include:

Artistic Vision and Interpretation: How effectively does the artwork convey the theme?
Technical Skill and Innovation: The craftsmanship and technical prowess demonstrated in the creation of each quilt were valued for both traditional skills and inventive methods that push the boundaries of the art quilt medium.
Visual Impact: The overall aesthetic quality and visual appeal of the artwork.
Emotional Resonance: The ability of the artwork to engage viewers emotionally.
According to Mason, the pieces in the show “provide a one-of-a-kind, compelling narrative that engages the viewer in a meaningful dialogue.” They “reflect a dynamic and engaging conversation within the art quilt community, highlighting both individual artistry and collective talent. Each piece in this exhibition tells a story, inviting viewers to explore themes of connection, transition and transformation.”

SAQA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the art quilt: “a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure.” Their vision is for the art quilt to be universally respected as a fine art medium. SAQA’s core values are excellence, innovation, integrity and inclusion. Over the past 30 years, SAQA has grown into a dynamic and active community of over 4,000 artists, curators, collectors and art professionals worldwide. With exhibitions, resources, publications and membership opportunities, they seek to increase public appreciation for the art quilt and support members in their artistic and professional growth. Within the Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma region, there are small groups or “pods” that meet in person based on their geographic location. The pod meetings feature various outside speakers, workshops, panel discussions, or may be an unstructured casual event for showing and sharing artwork and building relationships.

In the summer of 2023, when SAQA exhibition committee member Cindy Brendzel approached Jamie Platt, director of the Gallery of Art & Design about the possibility of having this show at UCM, Platt was thrilled.

“Quilts are a special way of learning about the lives of the culture in which they are produced. As functional domestic objects go, quilts are beautifully idiosyncratic, unraveling the line between craft and art. When you look at a quilt, you can see the personality and creativity of the maker in the choices they make about fabrics, color, texture, pattern, stitching, et cetera,” Platt said. “Taken as a body, quilts of a particular time and place express something about proclivities, values and resources. The opportunity to host an exhibition of art quilts made by quiltmakers in this region is especially valuable to see in context. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

The Gallery of Art & Design is also hosting two free public-related events. First up is a reception on Saturday, August 24, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Art Center Galleries. Next is a panel discussion about the exhibition on Monday, August 26, at 4 p.m. in UCM Wood 100. The panel discussion is also available via livestream. Free Zoom registration is required for the livestream. Register here.

Gallery Hours: Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Extended hours on Thursdays until 8 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

Parking

Five visitor parking spots are available in the Faculty/Staff lot on the corner of Maguire and Clark Street. The campus has two full visitor parking lots, both off Maguire. For the north lot, turn west on South Street; it is the second driveway to the south. For the south lot, turn west on Clark Street; the lot is at the intersection of Clark and Holden. Both have red-topped attendant booths that help visitors locate the lots. Parking is free to visitors. All lots are available for parking after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. Accessible parking is available behind the Art Center, with an entrance off Maguire, ½ block north of Clark.

Follow the Gallery of Art & Design on Social Media: Instagram: @ucmartgallery. Facebook: UCM Gallery of Art & Design.

Contact the Gallery Director for more information by email at gallery@ucmo.edu or by phone at (660) 543-4498.