SotAQ artists @ Gallery 159

What a great opening at Gallery 159 - and while SotAQ11 had previously been through an "official launch" the approach at Gallery 159 was convivial and relaxed - which means we all got to chat about art quilts for several hours and hear from particular quilt makers a short burst about their preferred techniques, style and inspiration. Mel Forrest, Helen Kidd and Suzanne Marshall (below) discuss the finer points of exhibitions.

In the absence of Ankie King, I got to share (below) her inspiration for creating Tulip Fields (r) and 100 Squares (l).  We missed you Ankie - see you very soon!

Felicity Clarke (below) shared the inspiration for her reflection on life - a beautiful and moving piece that follows birth through to death.

Helen Kidd (below) shared her Banff Canada holiday influence on Fire and Ice and how the various colours of ice were created.

Mel Forrest (also below) talked about her inspiration for My New York and the way photographic images are incorporated into her artworks.

A wonderful way to spend an afternoon - and the exhibition will be open until the ARTrageous Christmas Party for 2QAQ members on the 26th November. Check the Gallery 159 opening hours

Gallery 159 and State of the Art Quilt 11

Wow - it is hard to believe that in two short weeks Gallery 159 will host the State of the Art Quilt 11 (SotAQ11).  The exhibition starts on 12 November. This year a number of the artists whose works were juried into SotAQ11 will be talking about their works, what inspired them and all things art quilt. Ankie King's One Hundred Squares was created through a self-challenge to work in black, red and gold and create one hundred squares. Each square is different and contains many surprises on closer inspection.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  Where: Gallery 159 @ 159 Payne Road, Ashgrove When: Saturday 12 November 2011. The exhibition runs until the 2QAQ Christmas Party on 26 November - gallery hours are available from the TAFTA website.  Many thanks to Janet De Boer and the TAFTA Board for their ongoing support of SotAQ.

One Hundred Squares by Ankie King
Image of Ankie King