Published: May 01, 2008 06:35 pm            

Learn about history of quilts at Marshall library

Janet Gilberti of Marshall, Ill., will give a free program about quilts called “Patchwork, an American Art Form,” at 6:30 p.m Thursday in Marshall Public Library’s Dale McConchie Meeting Room.

Examples of quilting have been found throughout history, but patchwork is a uniquely American art form. Born in colonial America, it reflects the virtues of frugality and economy.

From humble, everyday quilts to the treasured guest quilts, women literally stitched together pieces of their lives.

Gilberti will explore how quilting evolved from everyday practicality to high art form. Find out how historical and economic forces affected quilt-making in America. Several quilts will be on display.

Registration for this program is appreciated. The library is at 612 Archer Ave., Marshall. The library is handicapped-accessible. Call the library at (217) 826-2535 for more information or to register.

Also in the Marshall library, the Hua Nian Art Studio will present an east-central Illinois exhibition of children’s artwork from Tuesday through May 14.

The exhibition will feature more than 25 drawings and paintings made by children aged 5 to 13 from Champaign-Urbana area. All of them are current students of Nian, and all artwork were produced during her spring semester of private instruction.

Nian has been teaching children’s art lessons for more than 12 years. Her skills-based and creative teaching method has helped many children discover the fun of drawing, building self-esteem through diligent practice, and helping each individual discover their own talents. She also is active exhibiting as an award-winning artist. Her works have been featured in the Chicago Sun-Times as well as American Artists Magazine, and were well-collected both locally and nationally.

For more information about the exhibition, contact Keith Bouslog, art show coordinator, at kdbmhs@yahoo.com. For more information about Hua Nian Art Studio, visit www.huanian.com.

        

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