Updates and the Iditarod Challenge

Cat says the votes are in and people would prefer to wait until May for our next meeting (which will be both in person and online).  In the interim, she still urge all of us to create something for the SAQA Auction. 

As a warm up exercise, consider "The Iditarod Challenge"!  Cindy Shake just shared a link to this quilt challenge organized by the Quilted Raven in Anchorage.  The deadline is February 25, quilts must be 12" high by 10" wide, and the theme is, you guessed it, the Iditarod.   Further details are at:

http://community.icontact.com/p/quiltedraven/newsletters/challenge/posts/quilters-challenge4

And thinking of challenges, what other Alaska events could inspire a theme for a quilt?  Are there festivals, commemorations or other special happenings in your part of the State we could look ahead to planning a quilt challenge around? 

Judy Wedemeyer Transforms Ties into Treasure for Good Cause

This table runner is the first of three projects Judy Wedemeyer is creating for the Salvation Army's 4th Annual ‘Transformed Treasures’ Auction Luncheon April 16, 2011 at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel.  Judy writes: “Unlike the set of four table mats I donated last year for this event, this table runner was sewn on pre-stamped foundation sheets thereby simplifying the construction process.  I eliminated two of the fourteen dress ties I'd chosen at the Salvation Army to be 'transformed' because they didn't blend well enough with the dozen I used.  A thin poly batting inside allows for enough definition in the machine quilting without being too fluffy.  Other display options would be as a wall hanging over a wide doorway or on a narrow wall space”.

More than 100 one-of-a-kind treasures will be auctioned to the highest bidder.  Here's how it works...

Everyday items are 'purchased' from donated goods found at local Salvation Army Thrift Stores with $50. worth of Salvation Army vouchers given to each participant.  Through the time and talents of local artists/designers these ordinary objects will be transformed into one-of-a-kind auction pieces.  This annual event leverages local creative talent and compassion in such a fun and rewarding manner, touching many lives both in the giving and receiving.  The Auction Preview is free and open to the public, April 1st, 5-7 pm in the BP Energy Center.

Early February News and Updates

Congratulations, Alaska SAQA Rep Cat Larrea, on your recent huge life changes and exciting travel plans!   

Welcome to new member, Cindy Shake of Anchorage.  Some may already know of Cindy by her remarkable metalwork, others will recognize her delightful and often raven-themed quilt patterns. Visit her website at www.cindyshakedesign.com to learn more about Cindy and her work. 

Participate in the SAQA 2011 Benefit Auction.  As noted in February SAQA e-Bulletin under "Deadlines and Dates", March  15th is the early bird deadline to have your piece considered for inclusion in Auction advertising.  The Final Deadline is July 2 and while the other-side-of-break-up may seem a long way off, now is a good time to start sketching ideas and maybe dedicate a little corner of your design wall with some 'tickler' fabrics as a reminder.   Visit the SAQA website for full details.  I especially encourage those of you who have not donated a piece before to do so this year.  Wouldn't it be great if Alaska could be 100% represented in the Auction?  It's fun, it's challenging, and a great way to reinforce your standing as an artist or to gain some exposure if you are new to exhibiting.   

  

SAQA Conference "Visioning" is from May 19th through the 22^nd in Denver, CO.  All SAQA reps have been asked to gather input about ways to improve SAQA and better serve the members.  Cat Larrea, our Alaska rep, hopes to make contact with each of you personally very soon to hear your perspectives, opinions, and requests pertaining to SAQA membership.  Also please let Cat know if you plan on attending the conference, this would be a wonderful opportunity to meet!

Cheers, and please give Susan Christensen updates for our blog!

Diane Melms Exhibiting at Anchorage's Artique Gallery Feb. 4-26, 2011

"Vivid Encounter" by Diane Melms will be among a group of new textile constructions being exhibited at Artique Ltd. in Anchorage February 4 - 26, with a First Friday reception on February 4 from 6pm to 8pm.  Congratulations, Diane! 

Last Minute Opportunity for Exhibit in Anchorage

A last minute cancellation by an artist presents an opportunity for someone to be the January featured artist at the Fiddlehead Gallery, Anchorage, AK beginning January 7 at the First Friday Art Walk.
The schedule and particulars are:
• January 7 opening and reception 6-9:30pm. Work hangs in gallery for the month of January. Work is typically up on the wall on the 6th.
• Fiddlehead space description: 10' high x 15' wide wall. On 4th Avenue, downtown Anchorage.
• Information to submit: Inventory list and price list. NFS ok for some work.
• Contact Katie Sevigny 907.441.2722 cell preferred.
• Fiddlehead Gallery phone 907.258.2787

Katie owns a second larger gallery on 4th Avenue, Anchorage called Sevigny Studio. Please contact Katie if you are interested in being a future featured artist.

What are you driving?

I learned to sew as an eleven year old on my mom’s Singer.  As a twenty-something, my parents gave me a Kenmore which served me well for many years as I made my own clothes and eventually sewed for my children. When I was bit by the quilting bug in the late 90’s, I spent my permanent fund dividend on my first really good machine.  Here in this town, serious sewers are split into two camps – Viking and Bernina.  I bought a Viking because that was the brand my quilting teacher swore by.  Eleven years of non-stop studio art quilting later, I wore out her free-motion ability and purchased another Viking.   

 

It took several months of tearful frustration to get used to the differences in my new machine, but eventually we bonded and now I wouldn’t trade her for the world – for my free motion work.  

I do all my piecing on the little Singer Featherweight a friend sold me when she found another Featherweight at a garage sale in Juneau and couldn’t justify keeping both.  

My sewing set-up - I invested in Koala furniture several years ago and love the efficient space utilization it provides.  Having both my work-horses available simultaneously is a non-negotiable necessity.
So what are YOU driving?  Send me a photo of your sewing machine(s) – minimum 1mb, jpeg format – and I’ll put together a post of the favorite sewing machines of the SAQA Alaska Region.

Quarterly Meeting Recap and a Word from Your New Blog-Mistress

About half a dozen of us had a good meeting on Tuesday evening.  Two of us attended via the internet magic of 'Go-to-Meeting'; the others were assembled at the Energy Center.

Linda Beach, our Co-Representative, is stepping down at the end of the year.  She and Cat Larrea asked that all members consider assuming the responsibility of Co-Rep.  Living in Anchorage is not a requirement, and it's a great way to get to know SAQA members both regionally and nationally.  Contact Cat if you are interested in the job or would like more information.

After everyone enjoyed sharing recent accomplishments and work in progress, we kicked around ideas for a regional creative project, something that would bring us together across the state.  Our next meeting will probably be held in early February, 2011.

Work in progress at my studio in November

And now a word from your new Blog Mistress:  When Cat and Linda announced that a new blog administrator was being sought, I was immediately interested.  Living in isolated Petersburg on Mitkof Island in Southeast, starting my own blog a little less than a year ago has provided a rich way for me to connect with other artists all over the world.  I want build stronger ties to my fellow AK Region SAQA members, and hope to get to know you and your work through managing our blog.

Do you have a show coming up?  Are you teaching or taking a class?  Have you got a new art book or technique you want to share?  Have you seen a great art exhibit somewhere your travels have taken you?  What’s on your design wall?   Get the word out through our SAQA Alaska Region blog.  Email me with your photos – maximum file size 1mb per image – and stories.  I would love to post something new every week!

Quarterly Meeting Coming Right Up

The SAQA Alaska Region quarterly meeting will be held Tuesday, November 30th, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Energy Center.

The Art Quilt Collection - A New Book

Nelda Warkentin's quilt, "Bird of Paradise", is featured in a new book titled "The Art Quilt Collection, Designs and Inspiration from Around the World".  The book, published by Sixth and Spring Books, includes an introduction by British author and lecturer Linda Seward.