Conversations with a Curator: Jan Hiester on Geometric Quilts

Event Details

Join Curator of Textiles, Jan Hiester on a tour of the Textile Gallery's new quilt exhibition featuring stunning pieced quilts from the Museum's collection.

Patchwork or pieced quilts most often consist of geometric shapes sewn together to form a pattern. Popular throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, these quilts display a myriad of designs created from a few distinct shapes. We will look at how these simple shapes are transformed into intricate and delightful patterns. In these quilts, the square becomes a stunning Irish Chain, the rectangle is transformed into the popular Log Cabin design, triangles are turned into a clever Variable Star and diamonds multiply to create a huge Star of Bethlehem. Precise hexagons are regimented into Grandmother's Flower Garden. And even the circle, impossible to piece traditionally, is sewn together to form an unusual Yo-Yo quilt.

One of the joys of quilting comes from arranging colorful bits of fabric into patterns. Add a touch of geometry and these bits are elevated into stunning artworks.

Conversations with a Curator allows visitors a chance to have an intimate look at an exhibit in The Charleston Museum, hear stories, ask questions and spark conversations. The Museum's collections are both extraordinary and diverse and each Curator-led talk and tour will allow participants to immerse themselves in different areas of Charleston's history.

All Conversations with a Curator programs are open to the public and FREE for Members and free with admission.

Conversations with a Curator programs are typically held on the second Friday of each month, with a few exemptions.