California has over 279 diverse natural and cultural state parks. They include underwater preserves, reserves, and parks; redwood, rhododendron, and wildlife reserves; state beaches, recreation areas, wilderness areas, and reservoirs; state historic parks, historic homes, Spanish era adobe buildings, including museums, visitor centers, cultural reserves, and preserves; as well as lighthouses, ghost towns, waterslides, conference centers, and off-highway vehicle parks. The diversity of these parks was captured in the Road 2015 Special Exhibit located in the center of the show’s pavilion.
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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve by Christine Rohn Hartman[/caption]
The exhibit featured 57 quilts made by members of the Quliters’ Sew-ciety of Redding, Inc. One quilt was a replica of the official California State Parks’ 150th anniversary poster and the other 56 quilts in the exhibit depicted 56 different state parks.
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Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area by Candy Ralston[/caption]
In addition to making their quilt, each quilter also submitted a written narrative describing the park they chose, what inspired them to make the quilt, and a description detailing the techniques they used to make the quilt.
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Anza Borrego Desert State Park by Blossom Hamusek[/caption]
All quilts had to be 20” x 30” with a 3” sleeve, and could be vertical or horizontal. Quilters chose their state parks on a first come/first choice basis from the 279 various state park units in California. The quilters were given 7 months to complete their project.
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Old Town San Diego State Historic Park by Katherine Fletcher[/caption]
Regarding the exhibit, curator Chris Hartman commented, “This was really an inspirational quilt challenge that seems to appeal to viewers of all ages and genders. It was fun to organize and participate in. We thank the CA State Parks 150th Anniversary Committee and the staff members of many of the state parks for their enthusiasm and support for this project.”
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Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park by Linda Molter[/caption]
The exhibit is currently on a two-year tour to various states and national quilt shows. It will also be exhibited at various Northern California State Parks such as Ide Adobe State Historic Park during Ide Adobe Days, Bidwell Mansion, and at the Stanford Mansion at the Leland Stanford State Historic Park in downtown Sacramento during the month of September.
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Tags: 150th Anniversary of California State Parks, California State Parks, Special Quilt Exhibit
I’m so thrilled that our quilt challenge was exhibited at Road to California this past January. It was great to share the 57 beautiful State Park Quilts with everyone who attended the show. These were made to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the California State Parks in 2014. They were also the catalyst for a state-wide quilt challenge hosted by our partner, the State Parks. This can be seen on-line at http://www.150.parks.ca.gov/quilts. Of the 156 quilts on the on-line quilt show, the first 57 were those made by the Redding quilters. We hope this inspires viewers to get out and visit their state parks, and to create quilted works of art similar to these!
I have seen this Beautiful Display at The Stanford Mansion in Sacramento & most recently at The Road to California Quilt Show in Ontario, CA!! It is amazing!! I’m not just saying that because my sister Linda Molter did The Bale Grist Mill State Park, an amazing work of art not even considering the time & emotions that went into it. But, because all of the entries captured the beauty & story of their individual park! Their beauty & love of their work shone through & I only wish everyone I know could see the display. I will keep talking about it so many more hopefully can see it at its various sites of touring. To find ones you know of or have visited & to see ones you want to go visit after seeing the Quilts is inspiring. I can’t wait to start visiting more of our beautiful California State Parks depicting in these works of art…….
Fantastic work by Linda Molter. This is my first time to a quilt show in Ontario. Very impressed with all the works.
Francoise