The art of quilting had its origins centuries ago in the temperate climates of Africa, India, and Iran. But it wasn’t until quilting reached cold New England in the 18th century that it really came into its own. Characteristics we typically associate with quilts–geometric shapes or lines of stitching that echo the patchwork–only developed as quilts started to be made in this country. Today most people consider quilting a folk art that belongs more to North America than to any other part of the world.
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So she scouted out funding and asked quilters from around the country to submit work. Over the course of putting together the exhibit, she came across several local sources of funding, four Chicago artists whose work she wanted to use, and a gallery here that was interested in the exhibit. By the time the exhibit opened in Sao Paulo last November, she had changed her plans about showing it here; on February 28 “Quilting Partners” opened at the Northern Illinois University gallery on Superior.
After Dritschel moved back to the States in 1986, she went back to visit Brazil four times in three years. She also joined an organization called the Sao Paulo/Illinois Partners, a branch of the national group Partners of the Americas, which does mostly social-service and educational work in South American countries. “I wanted to be around people who spoke Portuguese again,” she says. The group also sometimes sponsors artistic exchanges, often bringing South American artists to the United States. When Dritschel came up with the idea of sending American quilts to Brazil, Partners of the Americas gave her a $5,000 grant. Dritschel eventually hunted down another $60,000 in funding, including an offer from the Chicago Artists’ Coalition to fly the four Chicago artists represented in the exhibit to Sao Paulo for the opening.
“Quilting Partners” runs through April 21 at the Northern Illinois University Art Gallery, 212 W. Superior. The gallery is open 11 to 5 Tuesday through Saturday; call 642-6010 for more information.
