HARLINGEN — These intricate works of art are described by museum personnel as creative examples of taking an old, traditional pattern and transforming it into something new and modern.
The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum’s latest exhibit “New Quilts from an Old Favorite — Wheel of Fortune” is on display now through Friday, April 16.
The travel exhibit is from the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky.
“The Valley is so fortunate to have this exhibit come here,” Gallery Talks hostess Pat Skye said. “Quilters will come from Padre Island to Roma to see this exhibit and we’re so fortunate this year it goes until the middle of April.”
A total of 26 intricate quilts are on display that were selected based on their creators’ innovation, artistry and interpretation of the iconic symbol, the wheel of fortune.
According to Skye, the quilts range from 50 to 80 inches wide and are originally designed and made by artists from around the U.S., and other countries, such as Taiwan and Germany.
“They do this every year,” Skye said about the National Quilt Museum. “It is interesting to note that this is the last year they’re going to do this format. They’re going to take a year break and then after that, the theme will be Shakespeare.”
Skye describes the quilts as being individual, unique and having over the top variety.
“People find the quilts exceptionally fascinating, even the people who aren’t interested in quilts per say or sewing,” she said. “They just can’t believe it when they see the beauty and how intricate they are and how they were designed originally and then executed with fabric.”
Gallery Talks are being hosted by Skye through reservation.
The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
“Because of the virus, we are limited to 10 individuals so you just need to call the museum about when you would like to go and just to make sure they don’t have a conflict and then we can schedule it,” Skye explained. “They also take temperatures and it’s required to wear a mask.”
For more information, email [email protected] or call (956) 216-4901.
