Jeni Hardy is recovering from a neck injury, but that has not slowed her quilting.
“Everyone’s been working hard,” said Toni Wass. “A show like this takes a lot of work, and everyone’s been putting in the effort.”
Hardy and Wass will be joined by Garden Isle Quilters m.Lea Ingram, Lesley Morris and Julie Fregeau in presenting the Third annual Garden Isle Quilters Quilt Exhibit and Sale that will open on Friday, July 8 and continue through Saturday, July 16 at the Kaua‘i Society of Artists gallery at Kukui Grove Center in Lihu‘e.
Quilters are a combination of artists, craftsmen, creators, and hard workers. The quintet of quilters are hosting the second quilt show of the year.
Joan Luzney, who is part of the current Paint Happens exhibit that ends July 1, has elements of quilting incorporated with her botanical illustrations.
“Joan is a very good quilter,” said Ingram, whose quilting has earned her KSA awards in some of the group’s major shows like the Spring Show and Small Works exhibitions. “But arthritis moved her to botanical illustrations. It didn’t stop her because she still has some great quilts.”
More than 100 quilts will be on display, said Wass, who has also been a contributor to the major KSA exhibits. Viewing hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with Friday hours until 7 p.m. Ingram will be adding some bags and other items that utilize quilting techniques.
“We have fine-art quilts, or anything that’s meant to be hung on a wall,” Ingram said. “We also have the bed quilts that Jeni’s been working hard on. A lot of the quilts will be available for sale, with credit cards being accepted and shipping available. There will be a lot of different techniques and styles to see and admire.”
Several changes in viewing will take effect as the island emerges from the restrictive pandemic. First off, the Garden Isle Quilters will host a more-open viewing space by removing the central “walls” where quilts used to hang. Secondly, face masks are no longer a necessity.
The magic of quilting is in the stories from the quilters, Ingram said, and everyone is invited to meet the five women July 8 at the opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. During the show, the quilters will have gallery-sitting duties.
“I can’t believe that it’s happening already,” Ingram said. “This is our third show together. And we’re still friends.”
Wass said she’s already started cutting pieces for next year’s show.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
