Quilt-lovers appreciate art medium at exhibit

Vibrant, striking and catchy hues lured quilt lovers into Bloomingdale Park District Museum's modern exhibit Sunday.

Several dozen unique quilts are featured, and they'll be on display through Aug. 23.

The quilts are separated into two areas. The quilts made by local artists are in an exhibit titled "Women Packing Irons: Quilt Arts from the Chicago School of Fusing," and is on display at Gallery I. Quilt National 2007, an exhibit featuring 25 quilts from around the country, is in Gallery II.

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

John Tuleweit, assistant curator, said many people who are into quilting came to see the work, along with others who just appreciate art.

"Each year the show is different," he said. "Sometimes we see the same cuts and similar construction of styles, but it's new work every year."

Tuleweit noted the exhibit had traditional, contemporary and political designs and ideas.

"I think this year's is exceptionally good," he said.

Anne Lullie, an artist whose work is showcased, said she not only brought her flower designs this year, but also her new series, "Mosaic," which is a compilation of many tiny, tie-dyed squares that make an abstract design.

Lullie hand dyes all her fabrics before actually putting them on the three-layered quilt. She loves the nontraditional designs, and also enjoys teaching others about the art.

"I love the 'ah-ha' thing when students like something they learn," she said.

The Bloomingdale Park District Museum, at 108 S. Bloomingdale Road, is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays.