In the 1970s young artists "discovered" quilts and began experimenting with contemporary styles. Today quilt art is a staple of art exhibits nationwide. This handsomely illustrated introduction provides a useful guide to the contemporary art of quilting for quilters and collectors alike. The book illustrates the various styles of quilt art, introduces both established and emerging artists, and discusses aspects of their art as well as the process of quilt making. The reader will learn where to find the work of the best artists, and how to work directly with them when commissioning a quilt. Kate Lenkowsky gives an overview of exhibition and marketing opportunities and lists art quilt organizations at the national, regional, and local levels. Collectors will find a guide to resources on the conservation of textiles and options for displaying quilts in the home and elsewhere. A wonderful gift for anyone interested in viewing and collecting contemporary American art quilts.

A lavish portfolio of exquisite quilts, with a guide for collectors

About the Author

Kate Lenkowsky has been quilting for more than a dozen years. Her "Call to Service," a large narrative quilt depicting volunteers serving their communities, hangs in the entryway of the Corporation for National and Community Service at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. She is a member of the Bloomington (Indiana) Quilters' Guild, the Studio Art Quilt Associates, the Alliance for American Quilts, and the Fiber Art Study Group in Washington, D.C.

Reviews

Today's quilts are not just family heirlooms stored in a trunk. The concept of quilts as an art medium has created the terms "quilt art," "contemporary quilts," "studio quilts," and "art quilts." Quilts have become fiber or textile arts, part of a larger movement of crafts to fine arts status. Quilters are now artists who make wall hangings, study color and design, and display their work in galleries. Quilts are made with nontraditional materials and can be enhanced with embellishments, paint, photo transfers, or other media. Collectors and museums are acquiring quilts and displaying them as art. In this handsome book, independent scholar Lenkowsky reviews the history of the studio quilt and offers a critical discussion of the work of 19 prominent quilt artists. This very useful volume provides a guide for buyers and collectors, a glossary, a short bibliography, and biographies of the featured artists. Also offered is information on how to learn more about collecting, buying, and commissioning studio quilts, along with material on practical matters such as displaying, storing, and insuring quilts. Lushly illustrated, this volume is a feast for the eyes that will help to inspire not only quilters but also artists in other media. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers.

-- N. J. Quinlan, Nova Southeastern University * Choice *

"This is a well-researched and beautifully illustrated introduction to quilt art, a field that has emerged from its historic origins and flourishes today as a dynamic expression of modern art. Winter 2009"

* Surface Design *

"This oversized book is full of vibrant colors of a few traditional quilts, but the majority are imaginative designs and creations of contemporary men and women.August 1, 2008"

-- Florence Waskelewicz Clowes * Polish American Journal *

"Contemporary Quilt Art is a big, erudite, and beautifully produced book in the style done so well by university presses.... [T]his book is a must for any private or guild quilt library.September 3, 2008"

* Quilt Channel *

"The book exudes a conservative and distinguished spirit, offers impeccable print quality, and is crammed with information for quilters and their cultural community; thus it merits inclusion in any quilt library!"

* Textile Forum *

"Lenkowsky's survey of the studio-quilt movement makes an important contribution to scholarship on the evolution and current status of the medium.Nov/Dec 2008"

* Fiberarts *

"Lushly illustrated, this volume is a feast for the eyes that will help to inspire not only quilters but also artists in other media.... Highly recommended.November 2008"

-- N. J. Quinlan * Nova Southeastern University *

"A well-researched and beautiful book with 142 color photographs, including detail pictures of many of the quilts, Lenkowsky goes a long way towards accomplishing her goal of making the art quilt understandable and accessible to a wide audience.Vol. 32 no. 2"

* Museum Anthropology *

"In quiltmaker/author Kate Lenkowsky's Contemporary Quilt Art, she educates readers with remarkable verbal and visual dexterity; she alters our perception of quilts, converting us to the religion of quilts as art. It is a revelatory experience.... The accompanying vivid color photographs of the artists' quilts is enough by itself to make you want to own this publication: Each photograph vibrates with crispness and saturated color. Indiana University Press deserves praise for what it has put together."

* Deseret News *


Awards
Winner of IndieFab awards (Art/Photo) 2008.



Book Information
ISBN 9780253351241
Author Kathleen Lenkowsky
Format Hardback
Page Count 304
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 1783g