At first glance, it seems that quilts and water don’t have a lot in common, but with the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles’ newest exhibit, Reservoir: John M. Walsh III Collects (thru July 26), the connection becomes crystal clear.
This exhibit showcases an outstanding collection of quilts by a range of fiber artists, which were acquired by John M. Walsh III, an advocate of the contemporary art quilt movement. Comprising 29 beautiful quilts, the common thread throughout the collection is that all pieces focus on water and nature-inspired themes.
Walsh, who knows a thing or two about water, being the owner of a water-purification business, started to collect art quilts in the early 1990s, selecting from nationally and international artists. Selections include Wisconsin Wetlands II: River Bend,a silk quilt by Sue Brenner, which shows a colorful marsh against an azure sky (above). Other artists include Pauline Burbidge, Tim Harding, Wendy Huhn and Catherine McConnell.
Also thru July 26 is Connections: Small Tapestry International, a selection of 100-square-inch quilts, which are particularly challenging to create for artist weavers, given their small size. With so many fascinating quilts to check out this month and next, you can bet that the Quilt Museum will continue to be a fountain of creativity. —Stephanie Soong
Hours:
Tues-Sun 10–5; first Friday of every month, also open 8–11
Location:
520 S. First St., San Jose
More info:
408/971-0323; www.sjquiltmuseum.org
