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Background

Art Hits the Wall is a juried exhibition of unique quilted and hooked wall art created by residents of Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador).

 

The original intention behind this exhibition was to encourage rug hookers and quilters to expand the traditional boundaries of their craft and experiment with their artistic expression.

 

The impetus occurred several years ago when RHGNS Lifetime member, Doris Eaton, and artist Tom Forrestal were invited to judge at a quilt show exhibit in Mahone Bay.

 

The theme of the show was for quilters to interpret the work of an old master and incorporate it into their quilts, either their use of colour, technique or other inspiration. 

 

Doris Eaton was so impressed by what she saw, she and the exhibit’s organizer soon began planning another exhibit that would be open to both quilters and rug hookers. 

 

 

Art Hits the Wall

Text Box: Peoples' Choice, Art Hits the Wall 2006 
My English Country Garden - Designed and hooked by Joan Patterson 
Photograph by Joan Patterson

The first show in 2004 also incorporated the theme of interpreting an old master’s work and the results were inspiring. 

 

In 2006, rug hookers and quilters were asked to interpret a song or poem that inspired them resulting in completely original works that were well-received by artists and public alike (see the rug that received the People’s Choice Award above). 

 

In 2008, the show was a collaborative effort of the Mary E. Black Gallery, the Art Hits the Wall Committee and the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design.  The theme was “All Nature Sings”.

 

General Info

“Art Hits the Wall” occurs every two years to give rug hookers and quilters enough time to interpret, design and complete their projects. 

 

The next formal exhibit will be in 2010.  Already a committed group of volunteers, lead by Linda Alderdice, are meeting to arrange the theme, location and parameters.  Once these elements have been decided on, they will be posted here and in the RHGNS magazine. 

 

Entrants are not required to be members of any quilting or rug hooking group, but should have an interest in the development and growth of their art form.

 

Technique is important, but is not the defining quality as each show is juried by two independent artists.  The work is evaluated on its adherence to the prescribed criteria  and its interpretive perspective.

 

Art Hits the Wall: 2011 Call for Entry

Reflect on a special moment in your life and capture that moment art form in a rug or quilt that illustrates the theme: “Tides of Time”.  It could be an experience, an adventure, an emotion or a special time in your life.

 

This exhibition is open to all rug hookers and quilters who reside year-round in Atlantic Canada.  It is a non-juried show and beginners are welcome to submit work.

 

Entries must be created specifically for Art Hits the Wall and during 2010-2011.  entries must not be exhibited anywhere else previous to this exhibit.  Tell us your story about what you created (min. 100/max. 200 words) when submitting your artwork.

 

Work must be two-dimensional with a maximum perimeter 120”.  All work must have a hidden sleeve attached to the backing for hanging.  Framed work accepted. Securely fasten a label on the back which includes your name, address, phone number, title of work and date completed. 

 

Show will open from July 8 to August 28, 2011 at the Rossignol Centre in Liverpool, NS.

 

Further information and application forms will be available on this website and in the quilt guild newsletter once further details are confirmed.  Or contact by email ahtw2011@gmail.com.

 

The exhibit held at the Rossignol Centre this past summer 2009 was a huge success.

 

Here are some of the comments recorded in the guest book that reflect how they enjoyed the show;

 

“What a tremendous amount of talent here in Atlantic Canada”

 

“The show demonstrates that it was well planned and thought out.”

 

“We have already been here 3 hours and are enjoying the show tremendously.”

 

“To all the entrants and the committee, thank you for a wonderful show.”

 

People’s Choice:

We received 724 ballots for the People’s Choice vote.  The three most popular in each category were:

 

Rug Hooking

“Frozen in Time” by Mary Smith

“Bertie the Beaver” by Henriette Maier

“Fishin’ for Sea Bass” by Suzanne Gunn

 

Quilting

“Oh Sweet Canada” by Celeste Thibodeau-Stacey

“The Joy of Koi” by Polly Greene

“A Walk in the Woods” by Jerilyn Burke

 

Start planning for your submission today!

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