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Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is gearing up for the cool weather with a cozy new art exhibition called ‘Stitched Treasures: The American Quilt,’ according to a news release.

“Partnering with the Tidewater Quilters’ Guild, www.tqgva.org, we are delighted to feature one-of-a-kind quilts created by sixteen of their members,” “The exhibition is on display from Oct. 19 – Nov. 25, 2023, and all are welcome to attend the opening reception on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 from 5:30 until 7 p.m. in Suffolk Center’s TowneBank Gallery.”

Quilting, is a process of joining layers of fabric together either through stitching manually or mechanically using needle and thread, has been in use for centuries. This exhibition will feature the American quilt and its respective techniques and the meaning of various patterns. The exhibit will shed light on the American whole cloth quilt made during the colonial period as well as the patchwork quilt, which dates back to the 1770s.   

 “Historically quilting has always been a way to make a useful item in a creative way,” quilter Norene Skiles said. “While quilters no longer always make quilts as utilitarian items, quilting feeds a need to show your creativity and skill. It uses both artistic and mathematical skills, and the quilt can have many purposes. A quilt can be made to honor someone, keep a loved one warm, look to the future or past, repurpose/reuse, or be therapy for the maker. My reason for quilting is to use my creative talents to bring joy to others.”

 Tidewater Quilters’ Guild Artists featured in Stitched Treasures include;

Deb Garrett: Chesapeake

Bunnie Cleland: Chesapeake 

Darlene Price: Chesapeake

Faye Hannah: Chesapeake 

Laura Storm: Norfolk 

Karin McElvein: Norfolk

Debby Coleman: VA Beach

Susan Newsome: VA Beach

Sharon Brandt: VA Beach

Norene Skiles: VA Beach

Debra Wiley: VA Beach

Ann Walls: VA Beach

Angela Cartwright: VA Beach

Charlene Freeland: VA Beach

Nancy Gorry: VA Beach

Jackie Gaskins: VA Beach 

According to the release, Tidewater Quilters’ Guild was founded in 1979, and provides educational programs and workshops in various techniques relative to the needs of those interested in the art of quilt making and similar arts; to educate the public about this fine art; to preserve the tradition, culture and history of quilts. Guild members gather to learn new techniques, improve general workmanship, share knowledge and their quilts, participate in community service projects and enjoy friendships with others who share their love of quilting.   

 Exhibitions are free and open to the public, Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information visit: www.SuffolkCenter.org or call 757.923.0003. Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is located in historic downtown Suffolk, at 110 West Finney Avenue, Suffolk, VA 23434.