Gilpin County Artist-in-Residence Summer Schedule:
Saturday, July 28: Quilting for Others/Project Linus
Learn about the many charity quilting projects that exist around the country and how you can get involved in them. Then help piece one or more baby quilts for Project Linus, a national program that collects quilts for children in need. Supplies will be provided. Participants should bring sewing machines or let the library know they will need them as there are a limited number of loaner machines that will be available on a first requested basis. Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
August 1: Kid Program: Reading Children’s Quilting Books
Artist in residence Dana Jones will read children’s picture books that are about quilts and illustrated with drawings of quilts. Then the children will make paper quilt blocks to take home. Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate with their children. Time: 10 a.m.-11a.m.
August 4: Japanese Quiltmaking
Japanese quiltmaking has roots in U.S. quiltmaking yet Japanese quilters have taken the art in uniquely Japanese directions. Learn how this art has developed. See and touch Japanese fabrics that are inspired by the colors and textures of Japanese life and enjoy images of stunning handmade Japanese quilts that are winning quilting awards around the world. Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
August 18: Quilt Documentation and Labeling
Colorado Quilt Council will have their documentation crew of close to 20 people on hand to document quilts that “live” in Gilpin County. All Gilpin residents are invited to bring quilts they have – ones they’ve made, ones they been given, ones they’ve inherited – so the quilts can be added to the statewide Colorado documentation database. Any quilt that has made its way to Colorado – not just those that originated in the state – is wanted for documentation. Quilts old and new are wanted. Quilts will be labeled for future generations so children and grandchildren will know why each is special.
Quilts must be brought to the library between 9 a.m. and noon. Documentation will be complete by 3 p.m. Those bringing quilts should plan to share what they know about the quilts. Then they can stay to watch the documentation process or return to the library by 3 p.m. to pick up their quilts. Quilts will be documented on first come, first served basis up to 50 quilts. Individuals are asked to bring no more than five quilts. Documentation is being done state by state to encourage keeping the history and stories of quilts alive – a gift to future generations. Too many quilt stories have been lost over the years. There is no charge for documentation. There is a $1 per label for labels quilt owners can attach to their quilts. For $5 per quilt, the owner can get a printout of the documentation record, three photos of the quilt and a label. Charges cover the non-profit council’s expenses to provide these items.
August 25: Long-Arm Quilting Demonstration and Saving Your Memories Through Quilts
Top-notch Gilpin County long-arm quilter Becky Joyce will join artist in residence Dana Jones for the day and will set up her long-arm quilting machine at the library. Dana and Becky will be available all day to talk with individuals about how they can save their memories through quilts, including making T-shirt and necktie quilts, putting photos into quilts, and more. Becky and Dana will also provide advice on how individuals can quilt their quilt tops – either ones they have made or those they have inherited. There will also be mini-lectures and demonstrations of quilting techniques throughout the day. Come for the day or just drop by for awhile.
