As the nation observes the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Lincoln Land Community College welcomes the community to visit a special exhibit of quilts and poetry created by children’s book author and illustrator Anna Grossnickle Hines for her newest book, “Peaceful Pieces.”
The exhibit is being featured in the James S. Murray Gallery in Menard Hall on the LLCC campus in Springfield from Aug. 22 to Sept. 17. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. An artist reception is being held Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. followed by an artist’s talk in Menard Hall, room 2209.
As a poet, Ms. Hines sets for herself the goal of writing one poem a day. The poems then become the starting point from which she creates her quilts. She has illustrated more than 60 books for children, the latest of which are illustrated exclusively through her quilted artwork. Most of the quilts are rather small, about 22 x 14 inches, and include hundreds of separate swatches of fabric.
Ms. Hines explains, “When one says “quilt” most people think of a patchwork covering for a bed and for many years, that’s what quilts were. As more and more things were made with machines, the art of quilt making was largely forgotten. Then in the 1960s it was revived, rekindling an interest. Groups of quilters sprang up all around the world to share knowledge and enthusiasm for quilting. Most used the traditional patterns to make traditional quilts, but others began to make a new kind of quilt, a quilt for the wall instead of the bed. Using the traditional techniques of piecing, layering and stitching, the quilters told stories, expressed their feelings, or simply made beautiful works to decorate walls in homes or public buildings. Many of these quilt artists began adding new elements, including stamping, printing, beading, and so on, to add texture, interest, and to say what they wanted to say with their quilts.”
LLCC’s Community Learning department is offering several workshops in conjunction with the “Peaceful Pieces” exhibit including: Writing and Illustrating for Children–One Person’s Story, Peaceful Pieces–A Special Event for Quilters and Quilt Lovers,?From Once Upon a Time to Happily Ever After: The Benefits of Reading to Children, and About Poetry. For more information on workshops being taught by Anna Grossnickle Hines, visit www.llcc.edu/commed.
