INDIANAPOLIS — The Eiteljorg Museum will launch a yearlong exploration of the profound artistic and cultural contributions of women in the American West and Native America with a new exhibition opening March 7 focusing on quilts as a storytelling medium: “Quilts: Uncovering Women’s Stories.”
As the nation celebrates the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, the Eiteljorg is dedicating 2020 to the theme Honoring Women by bringing women’s perspectives and stories front and center.
“Quilts: Uncovering Women’s Stories” highlights fascinating quilts by women artists from the early 1800s to the present day. Far more than utilitarian bed coverings sewn for warmth on a cold prairie, the quilt artworks and their patterns of expression instead reflect the artistry of women in the West and their lives, experiences, aspirations and struggles. Quilts in the exhibition are organized into three broad themes: family, friends and personal relationships; ethnic and regional identity; and political agency and power.
Visitors experiencing Quilts: Uncovering Women’s Stories will learn about women artists from different backgrounds and time periods. Quilts by diverse women artists who are African American, Native American, Latino American and Asian American and who utilize a variety of styles and traditions are represented. The Quilts gallery will include engaging interactive activities about quilt-making.
Open from March 7 to Aug. 9, “Quilts: Uncovering Women’s Stories” is included with regular museum admission. The Eiteljorg is also partnering with local quilt organizations and hosting Quilts programming events. Find out more at www.eiteljorg.org.
