Colorful quilts in Bloomingdale

Some of the most comfortable quilts are those we sleep under.

But some of the most visually attractive ones are those coming to Bloomingdale Park District Museum, taking up two galleries now through August 23.

The exhibit, Women Packing Irons:Quilt Arts from the Chicago School of Fusing, featuring work by local artists will be on display at Gallery I. Meanwhile, Quilt National 2007, a exhibit featuring 25 quilts, will be in Gallery II.

This collection was produced and circulated by the Dairy Barn Southeastern Ohio Cultural Arts Center in Athens, Ohio.

Bloomingdale Park District Museum Curator Diane Duffy said Quilt National has come to Bloomingdale about 10 different times.

"We do this every two years because so many people are interested in quilts in the Bloomingdale area," she said."It's important to bring culture to Bloomingdale, and even the youngest of children seem to be awed by the beautiful colors."

There's an opening reception 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the museum, 108 S. Bloomingdale Road.

The exhibits are open to the public from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

The cost for senior and children residents is $2, and $3 for nonresidents. Adult residents must pay $4 and nonresidents will be charged $6.

Duffy said the Women Packing Irons exhibit will make people marvel at the bright colors and stitches, and Quilt National is the best of the best.

Anita Escalante, director of marketing and communication for the Bloomingdale Park District said the work is colorful and thought provoking.

"We are excited that we are able to present this quality of an exhibition," she said. "It's a national exhibition that is always a crowd pleaser because the quilts are not only functional, but they're works of art in and of itself."

If you go

What: Bloomingdale Park Distirct Museum's quilt exhibitions

Where: Bloomingdale Park District Museum, 108 S. Bloomingdale Road, Bloomingdale

When: Now through Aug. 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Opening ceremony is Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Cost: Seniors and children; $2 for residents, $3 for non residents. Adults; $4 for residents and $6 for non residents.

Details: Call the museum at (630) 539-3096.