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Neb. quilt museum builds on Log Cabin exhibition

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf

LINCOLN, Neb. – The International Quilt Study Center & Museum’s next exhibition will showcase the visually dynamic nature behind a well-known pattern. “Design Dynamics of Log Cabin Quilts” opens March 7 in the Lois Gottsch Gallery.

The basic design of log cabin quilt blocks relies on light and dark contrast. The exhibition will show how a quiltmaker’s imagination arranging these simple block units creates motion and depth and bold graphic effects. The perennially popular log cabin quilts – whether made with standard log cabin blocks or courthouse steps or pineapple variation blocks – still resonates with makers and collectors today.

“Design Dynamics” was originally curated by Judy Schwender, while completing her graduate studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The exhibition debuted at the Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery in 2004. For its Quilt House debut, the revived exhibition will showcase additional pieces alongside quilts from the original exhibition.

The exhibition draws from quilts in the Byron and Sara Rhodes Dillow Collection, the Jonathan Holstein Collection and the Ardis and Robert James Collection ranging from 1870-1920.

Visitors will also learn about various standard log cabin block settings through animation produced by The Vault, a student team under the supervision of Michael Burton, lecturer in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design at UNL. Virtual visitors will be able to experience the exhibition online at http://www.quiltstudy.org/exhibitions/online_exhibitions/.

In addition to the main gallery, a community showcase of contemporary log cabin quilts by local quiltmakers will be on display in the Quilt House Reception Hall March 15-April 4. Other public programs will be available throughout the exhibitions nine-month run. The museum’s website has more information about these events.

This exhibition, publications and programming were made possible in part through funding from the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment and the Friends of the IQSCM.

The International Quilt Study Center & Museum, the home of the world’s largest publicly held quilt collection, is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for students and children 5-18 and free for UNL students, faculty and staff and children 4 and under. Visit www.quiltstudy.org for more information.

ADDITIONAL IMAGES OF NOTE

Log Cabin, Barn Raising setting, maker unknown, probably made in Pennsylvania, circa 1890-1910, 84 x 83 inches. Jonathan Holstein Collection. IQSCM 2003.003.0237. www.quiltstudy.org.
Log Cabin, Barn Raising setting, maker unknown, probably made in Pennsylvania, circa 1890-1910, 84 x 83 inches. Jonathan Holstein Collection. IQSCM 2003.003.0237. www.quiltstudy.org.
Log Cabin, Pineapple variation, maker unknown, made in United States, circa 1880-1900, 86 x 86 inches. Jonathan Holstein Collection. IQSCM 2003.003.0242. www.quiltstudy.org.
Log Cabin, Pineapple variation, maker unknown, made in United States, circa 1880-1900, 86 x 86 inches. Jonathan Holstein Collection. IQSCM 2003.003.0242. www.quiltstudy.org.