Register Now for Celebration 2011

Just click here to go to the registration form.

The registration information for the induction of Ardis and Robert James into The Quilters Hall of Fame is now available! 

Read a short bio by clicking here.

The heart of Indiana quilt history 

is right here in Marion, Indiana!

It's that time of year to think about heading to Marion Indiana to help us celebrate quilt history once more! 

The dates are Thursday-Saturday, 

July 14-16, 2011.

Honoree Joyce Gross in the News

The Bonham Visitor’s Center will also feature quilts from the Winedale Quilt Center, showcasing historic quilts from the Joyce Gross Quilt History Collection.  Gross’ collection is composed of historically significant quilts and research materials assembled by one of the foremost authorities on twentieth-century American quilt making and contains more than 170 examples of American quilting.  The eight quilts on exhibit during the Quilt Hop will illustrate the variety of the collection, including pattern and kit quilts, as well as original patterns from award winning quilt makers. Barbara White, Briscoe Center, UT-Austin, will give a special presentation on the quilts at the beginning of the hour, every other hour, starting at 10:00 a.m.  To read the full news report and see a few quilts, click here.

The Passing of Jean Ray Laury

Jean Ray Laury  1928-2011

(photos of Jean Ray Laury's work taken by
Karen Alexander at AQSG Seminar 2009)

from the quilt "Listen to Your Mother" by Jean Ray Laury

It is with deep sadness that TQHF shares the loss of another of its Inductees. Honoree Jean Ray Laury passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2011, in Northern California. Click here for more details.

Photo by Pat L. Nickols 

Above, Jean Ray Laury at the Grand Opening of The Quilters Hall of Fame July 2004 in Marion, Indiana. (The great-granddaughter of Marie Webster and her daughter sit behind Jean.)

 Photo by Bob Johnson.

Jean Ray Laury being introduced to the crowd at the Grand Opening of The Quilters Hall of Fame in Marion, Indiana in July 2004. (Also in the front row L-R with Jean, with their backs to the camera, are Cuesta Benberry, Joyce Gross, Jinny Beyer, Karey Bresenham and Donna Wilder.)


It has been suggested by more than one quilt historian that the pivotal person in quilt history whose influence bridged the "pre-1970s" quilt world and the "post-70s" quilt world was Jean Ray Laury of California.

Jean Ray Laury's first book - 1966

Books from 1970 and 1974.

While studying art and design at graduate school at Stanford University in the late-50s, Laury made “Tom’s Quilt” for one of her Master’s classes. It was her first quilt and it became the catalyst that launched a long productive career that spanned many aspects of the art and feminist world, as well as the quilt world. 

You can see Laury's very first quilt --"Tom's Quilt" --  here and read about the events that quickly followed in her life (click here) that, in my opinion, was a pivotal key in the late 20th century Quilt Revival. Laury entered her first quilt in the Storrowton Village/Eastern States Exposition in 1958. Though she didn't win a prize she caught the attention of Roxa Wright, the creative editor at House Beautiful at the time. As a result of this fortuitous meeting with Roxa Wright, Laury's career as a quilt desinger, teacher and author was launched, with her many articles appearing in Woman's Day, Better Homes and Gardens, Family Circle, Cosmopolitan, Needlecraft as well as many others.

Jean Ray Laury started designing and making "modern" as well as whimsical quilts in the late 1950s.  Naturally, books followed. Her Sunbonnnet Sue Goes to the Quilt Show poked gentle fun at the changes the modern quilt world was bringing into quilters' lives.

Sue sees her first contemporary quilt.

In May and June of 1982 (Issues #142 and 143) Bonnie Leman featured Laury as a guest columnist in the pages of Quilters Newsletter Magazine for the first time. 

Eventually Leman wrote in her editorial (January 1983-Issue #148), "I am happy to tell you that Jean Ray Laury is back with another column, and the really good news is that she will be with us in nearly every issue this year. The two columns she wrote for us last year drew so many letters from you that it seemed clear to me you wanted more of her wit and wisdom. So she will be with us regularly for awhile." And so she was for over 20 years. 

So much of Laury's work was tongue-in-cheek humor with a message. She often delivered her message with "spoonful of sugar" that left you smiling and remembering the message long afterwards!

Click here to order this book by Jean Ray Laury

 Her book The Creative Woman's Getting-It-All-Together-At-Home Handbook created no small stir in 1975 when it first appeared. A room of her own? Just how far would these mere quilters go?

In 2005 San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles did the first major retrospective anyone had done of the life and work of Jean Ray Laury. 

~Four Pioneers of the late 20th century Quilt Revival~

TQHF Honorees left to right: Jean Ray Laury with her signature red glasses, Yvonne Porcella and Bets Ramsey. TQHF Honoree Joyce Gross is seated in front. Photo by Karen Alexander

The above photo was taken at the San Jose Textile and Quilt Museum, San Jose, California, Oct 2009 during the AQSG 2009 Seminar.

The Alliance for American Quilts selected Laury as one of its "Quilt Treasures" and filmed her in her home for posterity. She is one of only 14 people to date in the quilt world to be thus honored.

(Right:) Her series on aging on display at the 2009 AQSG Seminar in San Jose, Califorina is one of Laury's more recent pieces.

In 2003 Laury donated her personal papers on children's books to the Arne Nixon Center for the Study of Children's Literature at Henry Madden Library California State University, Fresno. These papers are available on-site for research.

Here are just some of Jean's many books on display at the 2009 AQSG Seminar where Jean was the Keynote speaker.

Take a few minutes to view her colorful website and enjoy reviewing her many contributions to late 20th century quiltmaking.

I suspect there will be much more written about Jean Ray Laury over the years as new generations of women discover her art, her humor and her wisdom.  In the meantime, be sure to read Colleen Hall-Patton's AQSG paper Jean Ray Laury in the 1960s: Foremother of a Quilt Revival in Uncoverings 2005.

You may leave a tribute or a story about Jean below in the comments field. We will see that the family receives them.

For more tributes, see Barbara Brackman's blog, Lesley Riley's blog and SAQA's blog.

Karen B. Alexander

Quilt Historian
Past President
The Quilters Hall of Fame


UPDATE:


Jean's obituary, which she wrote herself, was published in the Fresno Bee.

I Write This For My Many Friends 

Don't mourn for me. I have had a long and happy life, a wonderful family, and an exciting and satisfying career. My family includes Frank, my husband for most of over 60 years, who has always been incredibly supportive, helpful, and fun to live with. Our son Tom is a voracious reader, and for more than forty years a beekeeper. Tom's wife, Dr. Ritva Laury is a linguist who divides her time between Fresno and the University of Helsinki, Finland. Our daughter Lizabeth Laury works with horses and writes. Mike Brown teaches chemistry and physics at Washington Union High School. Ritva and Mike are very special additions to our family. Our granddaughter Anna Laury, M.D. completed her final boards in 2010 and pursues her career in Boston. Her sister, Emma Laury, J.D. graduated in May 2010 from law school, passed the California Bar and now works at OSHA in Washington, D.C. 

Among my most cherished friends of many years are partner and co-author on several books, Joyce Aiken; the talented and remarkable Stan Bitters, a diamond covered in clay dust; and Ruth Law, Los Angeles toymaker, and friend for over sixty years. It's been wonderful working with fellow artists and writers. My Book Club, which has met for over forty years, has been special, and I've enjoyed our discussion group, Dry Creek Seminar, and my writing groups. I have always loved writing, and have had numerous books published, and many articles, parodies and essays. It has been a constant in my life. I recently completed a collection of stories, titled "Growing up in Doon, the 1930's: A Quilter's Memoir" about life in Iowa with my sisters, Jackie, Joan and Joyce. 

My quilting career gave me the opportunity to travel the world: Japan, Australia, Canada, Norway, France, England, South Africa and many other countries. Quilting friends from across the United States have been an important part of my life, having always been enthusiatic and supportive in whatever I did. I was never far from home when I was with quilters. As wonderful as teaching and traveling were, getting back to Fresno felt like coming home. It has been wonderful being here with you. To all of you, thanks for being with me on this journey. 

Remembrances may be made to Hinds Hospice; Marjaree Mason Center; or at jeanraylaury@... NEPTUNE SOCIETY Of Central California 1154 W. Shaw, Fresno (559) 222-7764 

Celebration 2011 Induction Registration

Just click here to go to the registration form.

The registration information for the induction of Ardis and Robert James into The Quilters Hall of Fame is now available! 


Read a short bio by clicking here.

The heart of Indiana quilt history 
is right here in Marion, Indiana!

It's that time of year to think about heading to Marion Indiana to help us celebrate quilt history once more! 

The dates are Thursday-Saturday, 

July 14-16, 2011.

 The TQHF Celebration Planning Committee has once again put together a great variety of workshops and lectures that cover both quilt history and the how-tos of quilt making. 

If you have never seen the Marie Webster House, you are in for a treat. 

Here 2003 Honoree Georgia Bonesteel leads a walk-thru of The Alliance for American Quilts exhibit
"Put A Roof Over Our Heads" at Celebration 2007. These small quilts were later auctioned by the Alliance
on the Internet to raise funds for The Alliance.

Please come join us for three jam-packed days of fascinating history and beautiful quilts!

Gwen Marston had the honor of leading the exhibit walk-thru of the 2007 Honoree Mary Schafer Quitl Exhibit.
(TQHF founder Hazel Carter in blue. Gwen Marston in green.)

And don't forget the Annual TQHF Auction that takes place during Celebration! A favorite with the crowd, the TQHF Auction is a great place to meet up with friends for a little friendly competion while you help support a great cause!

The TQHF Auction is not to be missed! From antique quilts to art quilts, we have great variety each year. 

In 2007 we were gifted with a number of art quilts. Several were made by Mary Jo Bowers of Chicago, which you see hanging behind Georgia Bonesteel and Hazel Carter. 

All the items in this photo EXCEPT the one Hazel Carter is holding were in the 2007 TQHF auction.

Please consider making a donation of antique quilt pieces or an antique quilt, a wall hanging you have made, quilt ephemera you have found at a flea market or other related quilt items to this years auction!

Check back here soon for more instructions on where to send your Auction donation and when!

And thank you for support The Quilters Hall of Fame!

Ardis and Robert James — 2011 Honorees Announced

Ardis and Robert James Selected as 2011 Honoree

photo courtesy of the International Quilt Study Center

The Quilters Hall of Fame has selected Ardis and Robert James of Chappaqua, New York to be its 2011 Honorees. 

The many years of the generous but quiet philanthropy of Ardis and Robert James has helped educate the larger public about quilts and at the same time helped sustain quilt artists, quilt history organizations, and researchers. The Jameses have helped build creditability and recognition for quilts in the largest sense of that word in both academic and art corridors. Truly, the larger international textile world has been touched by their commitment to “the quilt”, not just our nation.

The Jameses philanthropic activities eventually led to establishment of the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the creation of an endowed chair (Ardis James Professorship in Textile, Clothing & Design at the university), and the formation of the world's largest and most comprehensive quilt collection held in public trust. The collection now comprises more than 3500 antique American quilts, contemporary art quilts, and international quilts dating from the 1700s to the present and representing more than 30 countries. In addition, they have provided significant annual support to both the American Quilt Study Group as well as the Studio Art Quilt Associates.

Ardis and Robert James chose to place their extensive private quilt collection in their native state at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which has long established expertise in both the science and art end of textiles.  They donated not only their quilt collection, but also significant funds to underwrite it. The newly created museum in Lincoln, Nebraska is now known as the International Quilt Study Center & Museum.  The quilt museum is located in a new building called Quilt House, for which the Jameses generously donated the leadership gift.

Due to their continued support of all aspects of this significant collection and its endowment, the collection is now made available for exhibits as well as to serious scholars and researchers from all across the world. As a result, a strong state-wide volunteer support base has been created that is a great assistance to the staff making it possible to maintain and show the collection. 

Ardis and Robert James represent a unique couple in the quilt world of talent and commitment. The Quilters Hall of Fame is pleased to extend to them the recognition they justly deserve for the contributions they have made to the international quilt world.

Karen Alexander

Past President

The Quilters Hall of Fame

CLICK HERE for 2011 REGISTRATION FORM

DATES: 2011— Induction Events July 14-16, 2011

INDUCTION Day — Saturday, July 16, 2011 in Marion, Indiana

CONTACT: Becky Faulstich

WEBSITE: www.quiltershalloffame.net
Phone: click here

Remembering Bonnie Leman

Bonnie Leman 1991, courtesy Myron Miller/LCPQ #74

BONNIE HALE LEMAN

1926-2010

There is perhaps no more quintessential icon of the late 20th century quilt revival than Bonnie Leman, founder and editor of Quilters Newsletter Magazine.

The quilt world lost a great friend yesterday with her passing. One could easily say Bonnie Leman was THE HUB of the quilt world for almost 30 years. She appeared on the scene in September 1969 with her first issue of Quilters Newsletter and soon left her tracks around the world*. With grace she passed on the baton of leadership at QNM to her daughter Mary in 1996.

Bonnie and husband George built their business together until George's passing January 12, 1986.

Photo appeared in QNM Sept 1994 on the 25th anniversary of QNM. 



Bonnie was inducted into The Quilters Hall of Fame in 1982, the same year she and the family launched their 2nd quilt magazine QUILTMAKER. Click here to read about her induction.

The Leman children in 1972 comprised much of the staff of QNM.
Photo appeared in QNM Sept 1994 on the 25th anniversary of QNM. 

Bonnie passed away peacefully in her daughter's home surrounded by her family. You will undoubtedly be hearing more about Bonnie and the talented Leman family in the coming days as the quilt world salutes and plays tribute to their amazing mother.

The Leman Family in 1994 on the 25th anniversary of QNM.
Photo appeared in Bonnie' editorial in the Sept issue.

Thank you, Bonnie, for all that you did to revive and expand both the art and the history of that great American icon, THE QUILT. Indeed, you helped it become an international icon of the highest caliber.

Thank you, Leman family, for sharing your mother with us for so long. Our hearts go out to you in your loss.

Karen Alexander
Past President
The Quilters Hall of Fame

*Click here to watch a live video interview of Bonnie done by The Alliance for American Quilts' Quilt Treasures project.


PS: The family welcomes comments and suggests that you post them here on the TQHF site for the family to read.

The family placed the following in the Denver Post.

Bonnie Hale Leman, 83, of Arvada, CO, passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2010. Born in Purdin, Missouri on September 28, 1926, to Rex and Laura Hale. She left home for college at 16 and graduated from Park College three years later. She moved to Denver in 1953 and met her husband George Leman while they were both pursuing master's degrees at the University of Denver. She was a mother, teacher and freelance writer until she found her calling in the publishing business, when, in 1969, she founded Quilter's Newsletter Magazine. Through her magazine she helped revive and foster an appreciation of quilts as a great American art form that continues to this day. Bonnie grew her magazine readership to more than 200,000 subscribers in over 100 countries, as well as writing and publishing numerous books and other publications on quiltmaking. She travelled much of the world in the course of her career, made hundreds of friends, and contributed to the growth of the quiltmaking art in many countries. She retired in 1995 to enjoy her children and grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her husband George Leman (1986), she is survived by her daughters Megan O'Gorman (John O'Gorman), Mary Leman Austin (Milton Austin), Emilie Leman, Georgianne Holland (Ted Holland), David Leman, Andrew Leman (Glenn Alfonso), and Matthew Leman (Tara Williams Leman). Her cherished grandchildren include Jerome and Pauline DeFelice; Jessica, Laura, and Eric Bender; and Avery Leman. Also survived by her beloved brother Roy Hale and family of San Francisco; and the Jack and Betty Most family of Carlsbad, New Mexico. A Rosary will be said Monday, September 13, 7:00 p.m., Mt. Olivet, 12801 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, 303-424-7785. Funeral mass will take place Tuesday, September 14, 10:00 a.m., Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 3920 Pierce Street, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-4942, (303) 424-0402. Reception information will be available at the funeral service.

This just came from the family Friday September 10 and is posted at their request.


From Mary Leman Austin

The Leman family is so touched and grateful for all the kind words and fond memories that have been posted here. It is a great comfort to her family to see that she is remembered fondly not only for her wit and warmth but for all her accomplishments and contributions to the quilt world, about which she was quite humble. Our deepest thanks for your kind thoughts, from all of Bonnie’s family.

GRANT ENABLES THE QUILT INDEX TO TAKE STEPS TO GO INTERNATIONAL!

The Quilt Index received a $100,000 grant this week!

We here at TQHF heartily congratulate them! These funds are a much appreciated encouragement to their on-going mission.

TQHF Honoree Merikay Waldvogel has been deeply involved with The Quilt Index from its founding.

A follow-up story to the press release emphasizes that this grant is to support steps towards internationalizing the Index so that "content and use" goes well beyond the national emphasis it now has. This is a really significant new step.

This link gives you a bit more of that very important aspect of the story.

The Quilt Index fills a vital role in community history, family history and women's history by capturing and indexing quilts and their stories! We welcome the possibility that quilts residing in other nations may now be included too.

Aside from the MSU Museum, the Quilt Index’s other partners include MATRIX: The Center for Humane Arts, Letters and Social Sciences Online — an MSU digital resource and research center — and The Alliance for American Quilts .

I have had the privilege of working with the Quilt Index for three years as a member of the Signature Quilt Pilot Project Team. If you own a Signature Quilt yourself, you may want to familiarize yourself with this project.

Every quilt history program requires on-going financial and volunteer efforts, including The Quilters Hall of Fame!

We hope you will choose to help sustain at least one quilt history organization on an annual basis through a donation of time or funds. We couldn't survive without your generous caring support!

Karen B. Alexander
Past President of TQHF


If you would like to donate to The Quilters Hall of Fame, click here.


PS: You can read more of my quilt research by clicking here.

Second Round of Marie Webster Birthday Parties Begins!

THEY DID IT AGAIN!

The Morgan County Schoolhouse Quilters Guild enjoyed their Marie Webster birthday bash so much last year that they decided to do it again.

Expert cake maker Lisa Dodson outdid herself again with a second Webster design-inspired cake. This year, instead of each buying a slice of cake, the guild just made a blanket donation of $150 to the Hall of Fame. Thank you Morgan County Schoolhouse Quilters Guild!!




Holding the cake are (left) Lydia Stout, owner of Ady's Fabric and Notions in Morgantown, Indiana, the host for our meeting and birthday party, and (right) Lisa Dodson, the cake maker.



Last year Dale Drake, who organized the first party, brought Marie's 1915 book "Quilts: Their Story and How to Make Them" , The Quilters Hall of Fame book (three-ring binder format) containing the stories of the first 34 Honorees. She also shared Rosalind Webster Perry's two books "A Joy Forever" and "Marie Webster's Garden of Quilts" to share with the party goers and gave a brief history of Marie's contributions to the quilt world.

Here is the page from A Joy Forever which this year's cake is based on.



This year guild members all celebrated everyone's birthday with





a fat quarter exchange, and we're saying "Marie Webster!" in the group shot. I think they all now know who Marie is now!

Thank you, Morgan County Schoolhouse Quilters Guild, for your on going support of The Quilters Hall of Fame!


PS: Here is the cake Lisa Dodson created last year to celebrate Marie Webster's 150th birthday and TQHF's 30th birthday. This cake replicates Marie Webster's Windblown Tulip quilt design which first appeared in "Ladies Home Journal" in 1911. (Do not confuse this with the Mt. Mist design. It is very easy to confuse the 1930 Mt. Mist Wind Blow Tulip design with Marie's 1911 design. Today Mountain Mist credits Marie for having inspired their design.



Karen B. Alexander
Past President

PS: You can read more of my quilt research by clicking here.