The stunning international art quilt competition and exhibition, Expressions: The Art Quilt, is currently on exhibit at the Museum of the American Quilters Society through July 8.

Award winning, internationally renowned quilter and musician Ricky Tims, owner of the Tims Art Quilt Studio & Gallery in LaVeta, CO, curated the exhibit. The Expressions exhibit began in 2006 with its initial showing at Tims’ Gallery and has toured the country for the last two years. The Museum is its last stop before these incredible quilts are returned to their owners.

Tims developed the concept of this bi-annual art quilt exhibit as a way to raise the visibility of the art quilt and expand the number of forums in which art quilters could exhibit their work in a high profile setting. The exhibit features art quilts of varying sizes and diverse styles and techniques, with a minimum of rules. The main criteria for inclusion in the exhibit were strong visual impact, originality and quality workmanship.

The topic and techniques used to create each personally expressive piece was left solely up to the artist. From abstract and stylized to photo realistic designs, with colors ranging from vibrant to subtle, these dazzling pieces are often purchased by private modern art collectors or added to museums.

With over 230 entries, quilters from across the US and as far away as Japan, Australia and Switzerland competed. The final 63 were selected by Tims; Joan Hanley, a painter and sculptor; and Katie Pasquini Masopust, art quilter and current president of Studio Art Quilt Associates.

Additional information on Ricky Tims, Tims Art Quilt Studio & Gallery, and past and upcoming exhibits can be found at www.rickytims.com.

The extraordinary finalists from the MAQS annual contest that challenges quilters to put a new spin on a traditional block. Sponsored by Clover, Fairfield and Janome.

Inspirations: Antique Sawtooth Quilts, March 28 - June 12
Inspirational Sawtooth quilts from the turn of the 20th century