Ties That Bind
August 21 - October 10, 2010
Handmade quilts are a source of wonder and
beauty, offering layers of pleasure. On the surface they can be
gorgeous—a stunning combination of colors and forms. When one
looks a little closer, the complexity of the design and the
quilter’s technical proficiency stands out. The unseen layer is
the one that is discovered through narrative. Handmade quilts
are made by people (usually women) and often for family. The
deep layers in the quilt contain the story of the people
involved in the quilt—their lives, relationships and historical
context. These layers often evoke the most pleasure and wonder
and endow the handicraft with its intrinsic value.
The Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum is pleased
to offer a special exhibit of historical quilts made in the 19th
and early 20th centuries. Ties That Bind
features some 20 quilts from the museum’s collection, all either
used or made in Coshocton County. The exhibit opens on August 14th
and runs through October 10.
A number of the quilts on display will
elicit memories of people and places from Coshocton’s history. A
carpenter’s square red and white quilt was made in 1929
for Blanche Elliott, the first principal of Washington
Elementary School. The quilter was Mrs. Erastus Boyd (Mary
Elizabeth Hamilton), Blanche’s aunt. A six-pointed star
quilt-rug belonging to Vesta Shumaker (from Adams Street in
Coshocton) was made by her grandmother when she was sixteen
years old. An appliquéd quilt made in the bird and cherries
design was made by Ann Jane Elliott before she turned 20 years
old. (Ann was born in 1832 in Coshocton County.) Also displayed
will be a friendship or signature quilt made by members of the
Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Coshocton. Famous signatures are
also included—Mrs. Harry (Bess) Truman and Cy Young.
Ties
that Bind
is a spectacular display whichever way you look at it. Enjoy the
history, fine craft and beauty as you contemplate how times have
changed.
