Eye Contact

In 2019 I sent a piece to be a part of  "Eye Contact: creating a connection" curated by Barbara Hollinger, as a special exhibit at the Sacred Threads Quilts exhibit. Barbara wrote, 

"In a time where politics, race, and religion divide us, a personal connection to those around us is hard to establish. We walk through the world with our heads down focused on daily tasks and distractions. . . . Lift up your head, gaze into someone's eyes, and make a connection." 

The exhibit consisted of 249 pieces measuring 5" x 23" and traveled to ten more venues between 2019 and 2022 before being returned to their makers. Barbara also prepared and sent a lovely bookmark showing a variety of pieces along with her statement describing the exhibit.

The quilts were suspended from wires at some venues

With Libby Williamson (her awesome eyes are right above her hand)

Some venues displayed on square towers 
I found my eyes here, second from bottom 

I was glad my donated Caladium Leaves sold in the SAQA 2022 online auction. 

July and an Empty Garage

After having 40 boxes of donated Pine Belt Quilters quilt supplies in my garage for six weeks, I am happy to say the garage is empty. The remainder was donated to the Hattiesburg Arts Council for Abigail Lenz to use in her activities with children's camps and art groups.

     I have been working on a Quilt of Valor as well as another guild project (table decorations for our hosting of the MQA Fall Gathering in Hattiesburg Oct. 25-26. The QOV is made of squares surrounded by strips--dark squares with light strips and vice-versa, in patriotic colors. Many of the pieces came from the 40 boxes of donated fabric.

     Then there were some postcards for special friends, and some improvisational piecing.

     I finished the chameleon puzzle and thought I'd give puzzling a rest, but this clown fish one looked so easy with its sharp, clean lines. It did prove fun and not a challenging as the chameleons. Tarbaby is an equal opportunity puzzler. When he wants my undivided attention, he just parks himself where I can't ignore him--on the puzzle, on the fabric, on the computer keyboard. He loves to hang his head off the edge of a table.

     But this is his favorite position of all. 
   

     It has taken almost daily watering to keep my flowerbed alive this month. I'm concentrating on hardy plants. The first New Yard Guy mowed down my mint plants. I bought four Mexican Heather plants and put two in an open area against the fence, only to have the Second New Yard Guy attack them with the weed-eater. He's no longer the Yard Guy. But this fuzzy purple plant has been here since last summer. It is up in the flowerbed, protected by the cement pavers.
   

     I participated in an exhibit this month called Sacred Threads in Virginia, in a section called Eye Contact. The pieces were 5" x 23" and featuring human eyes. It must have been a fascinating exhibit to see in person!