Quilts and Dresden ornaments featured in ‘Holiday Traditions’ exhibit

Quilts have a unique way of telling stories through colorful fabrics and intricate patterns, and that is especially apparent when it comes to the holidays.

The warmth and beauty of seasonal quilts evoke heartful images that stitch together endearing stories of holiday traditions past and present.

The Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave, Elmhurst, is presenting a collection of holiday-themed quilts in the new exhibit “Holiday Traditions,” which will be on display through Jan. 15. The distinctive array of holiday quilts showcases the legendary talents of some of the area’s finest quilters known as the Elmhurst Piecemakers.

In addition, the exhibit will feature the Elmhurst Historical Museum’s treasured collection of intricate Dresden ornaments.

“Holiday Traditions” exhibits a variety of quilt craftsmanship in both traditional and contemporary designs.

The Elmhurst Piecemakers have been at their craft since 1980. Today, the group includes 48 active members who gather weekly to share their passion and talent for this historical art form that has been passed down through generations.

The Elmhurst Piecemakers’ handiwork represents a broad spectrum of styles and abundance of skill, according to Lance Tawzer, curator of exhibits at the Elmhurst Historical Museum.

“The museum has hosted a number of Piecemakers exhibits over the years, and this time we wanted to showcase a different aspect of their talents with the holiday theme,” Tawzer said. “Their workmanship is impressive, and we are grateful to the Piecemakers for sharing some of their own holiday traditions with the community through these quilts.”

In addition to the quilts, Tawzer added another facet to the exhibit with ties to Elmhurst history.

“Elmhurst’s roots are German, and we have a rare collection of Dresden ornaments that reflect the city’s heritage,” Tawzer said. “Dresden ornaments were made in the Leipzig area of Germany from the late 1800s until the 1920s. These rare ornaments are highly collectible and prized for their unusual forms, intricate stamped designs, and beautiful embellishments that often included hand-painting by German artisans.”

The Elmhurst Historical Museum has a collection of 45 Dresden ornaments, and Tawzer explained that the designs differ from typical American Christmas ornaments.

“Dresden ornaments come in a variety of nontraditional forms — such as birds, animals, buildings, vehicles and ships — so there are no snowmen, religious figures or the iconic Christmas trees that one might expect,” Tawzer said. “This exhibit presented a timely opportunity to showcase this rare collection.”

To add to the holiday spirit, the Glos Mansion has been decorated by members of the Elmhurst Garden Club, making the museum an ideal stop for holiday visitors.

Museum galleries are open from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. General admission is free. For a complete schedule of events, plus exhibit and program details, visit the museum’s website at elmhursthistory.org or call (630) 833-1457.

If you go

What: “Holiday Traditions” exhibit

When: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, through Jan. 15

Where: Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst

Admission: Free

Info: <a href="http://elmhursthistory.org ">elmhursthistory.org </a>or (630) 833-1457