New York City! That's what.
After what seems like an eternity, the American Folk Art Museum's exhibit "Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts" exhibit at the Park Avenue Armory is finally open. The pictures above aren't of the actual exhibit, they are computerized renderings of what the exhibit will look like. They were created by an amazing, award-winning design firm, Thinc Design.
You probably already know this but just in case you don't, here's the CliffNotes version - The American Folk Art Museum has dramatically transformed the Park Avenue Armory’s historic 55,000-square-foot Wade Thompson Drill Hall with the installation of 650 red and white American quilts, all of which are on loan from the collection of Joanna S. Rose. It is the largest exhibition of quilts ever held in the city.
That's the short version. While waiting not-very-patiently for the exhibit to finally open, I found all sorts of articles, slideshows and videos that I would like share. As my friend Edie likes to say... "Grab a cuppa and get comfortable."
DNAInfo.com - Quilts Take Over Park Avenue Armory ~ The slideshow is amazing. Don't miss it! The article is terrific too.
HandEye Magazine - Infinite Variety ~ This is a nice informational article and pictures of a couple of the quilts.
New York City Times - Finally, Mrs. Rose (and the Public) Can See All Her Quilts ~ Another amazing slide show, this time of the actual hanging process of the show.
Major Quilt Exhibit Sponsored by American Folk Art Museum Opens in NYC ~ A terrific informational article.
"Infinite Variety" Installation Shots ~ Flickr... pictures. That kind of says it all, doesn't it?
Sunday Arts News ~ An interview with Elizabeth V. Warren, the curator of the quilt exhibit. A YouTube video. The majority of the video is about the Masterworks exhibit at the American Folk Art Museum but the Infinite Variety exhibit is mentioned near the end and several pictures of quilts are shown.
A month or so ago, I ran across an article that included pictures of several quilts in the exhibit, all taken by the folks at Thinc Design. I can't find the article again or the link to it, but I did manage to save the pictures.
From what I've read and been told, there isn't going to be a catalog or book for the exhibit. But there are going to be a couple of things that you just might need to have instead...
These are magnets. It is a single sheet that snaps apart to make sixty-three separate magnets measuring about 1" x 1". I'm keeping mine as one whole sheet. The magnet sheet can be purchased through the museum shop.
If you've been trying to decide whether or not you really need an iPad, stop reading now.
Because Thinc Design had to photograph all the quilts anyway, the Folk Art Museum is offering a free app of the show. Yes, that's right, there is a digital guide of the exhibition that includes images of all 650 quilts on display. The app will be compatible with iPhones, iPod Touch, iPads or Android smart phones.
Another terrific resource for information about the exhibit is the Museum's Facebook page.
Are you inspired? Are you thinking about how much red fabric you've got in your stash?
It goes without saying that no matter how many pictures I take, not one of them will be as good as any of the pictures you'll find on the sites I've listed. But I promise to show them anyway when I get back. Yes, I'm going to New York for the quilt show and a little bit of fun. Okay, probably a lot of fun.
Twelve-bazillion quilters... New York City may never be the same.
That looks like fun! Thanks for the info :-)
Posted by: Michele | March 25, 2011 at 06:09 PM
I'm taking the train from Boston tomorrow and I'm excited! I made a red/white quilt that would fit right in!
Posted by: ellen patton | March 25, 2011 at 06:11 PM
I'll be dreaming about red and white quilts and attending this exhibit! It would be so fun to attend. Thanks for keeping us updated and reporting back after the show.
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | March 25, 2011 at 06:31 PM
O.M.G and a great big ZOINKS! Now I have to add one of these beauties to my to do list :)
Thanks for dropping by Miss Carrie. Your support means the world to me. Really.
Posted by: Kristyne | March 25, 2011 at 07:14 PM
I would love to go! Almost as much as I want to go to quilt market! So glad you will be there to give us a report...And thanks so much for the links!
Posted by: sherri | March 25, 2011 at 07:49 PM
Wow!! Just looked through some of your links showcasing these simple, yet elegant beauties! How exciting for the collector, Joanna Rose, to see them all at once.
By the way, the I pad app is available... just downloaded it on I tunes.
Have a wonderful time and safe travels!!
Posted by: Patty | March 25, 2011 at 07:55 PM
wow! I love, love, love red and white! Can't wait to hear all about the show. :-)
Posted by: Sandie ~call me crazy | March 25, 2011 at 09:13 PM
Definitely worth fighting airport traffic and crowds to see! Have a great time and thanks for all the info.
Posted by: AnnieO | March 25, 2011 at 09:50 PM
Quilt number two looks like it could have been made by one of Miss Carrie's relatives. I know she loves red since she even painted Rosie red that one time!!!
Posted by: Ramona Chester | March 25, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Have a wonderful trip, Carrie! I look forward to reading more about it.
Posted by: L. Rudd | March 25, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Have fun! (Well, that goes without saying, but I said it anyway! lol) Thank you for sharing the quilty images. I look forward to your photos when you return!
Red. J'adore! I am now asking myself why I have not made, nor planned, a red and white quilt. I have some red-and-white prints that I planned. Hmm. :- )
Hazle
Posted by: Hazle | March 26, 2011 at 03:02 AM
We'll be there! My teenage daughter and I have tickets for tonight's performance of Wonderland: The Musical on Broadway so we're going to take the train into the city earlier to catch this extraordinary exhibit. Hope to see you there!
Posted by: Kristie | March 26, 2011 at 04:14 AM
Thanks for all the links for those of us who cannot see it in person!! Greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Cheryl Miller | March 26, 2011 at 05:47 AM
Oh I wish I was close to NY! How AMAZING this will be! Have a blast!
Posted by: Dianne | March 26, 2011 at 06:07 AM
I'm excited for you, aw heck, I'm excited for anyone who gets to go!! What an awesome experience it's going to be and yes it is, my favorite color!!! RED, glorious red!!! Can't wait to read your blog on it!! Thanks for the links - will go pick up my magnet and see what else I can find!!
Posted by: Linda P | March 26, 2011 at 06:37 AM
I called the museum yesterday and you're right, unfortunately. No book, no catalog. I was really hoping.
Posted by: Mary | March 26, 2011 at 08:18 AM
Oh, I wish there was a book!! I live in England, so no hope of seeing this! Do you think it will travel abroad? Could we all bombard the Museum with requests for an exhibition catalog? But we do have an I-pad....now I
know what it's for....x
Posted by: Nicola | March 26, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Wow! What an amazing exhibition. I hope lots of people are able to attend. Travelling from England isn't going to happen so I'm very grateful for all your links & have downloaded the App which is excellent.
Have a great trip & look forward to your photos
Chris x
Posted by: Chris | March 26, 2011 at 03:26 PM
Thank you all the info - cannot wait to get that app!
Posted by: Krisgray | March 26, 2011 at 04:24 PM
I live just a few blocks away from the Armory so I spent a few hours there this afternoon. AMAZING! It's the best quilt show EVER!You are going to love this. It was packed with quilters! I'm already thinking about what kind of red & white quilt I need to create...
Posted by: greg | March 26, 2011 at 11:00 PM
See you there on Tuesday.
Posted by: Modalissa | March 27, 2011 at 02:49 PM
Well what do you know...NY. will be embraced with lot's of heart...I am thinking about all the gazillion quilters who will be snapping red and white pics..well to tell you the truth I think it is absolutely amazing..thanks for the great links...and YOU in NY...that is something NY will embrace...no really...YOU in NY... Lucky them!
Posted by: madame samm | March 28, 2011 at 04:33 AM
Thank you for all these links! Is the app available yet? I searched, but didn't find it. And if it is available - what do I search under? Thanks!
Posted by: Karen | March 28, 2011 at 09:12 AM
I created a blog to record all the wonderful places people post on this.. see it here. share the love and tell everyone!
http://patsloan.typepad.com/pat_sloan_red_and_white/
Posted by: Pat Sloan | March 28, 2011 at 04:07 PM
it will blow your socks off! I was there on Sunday
Posted by: pat sloan | March 29, 2011 at 05:36 PM
Thanks so much for mentioning the free app. Not quite the same as being there but sure is close. I can't believe I am adding to my to do list but these are stunners.
Thanks again, Sharon
Posted by: Sharon | March 31, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Wish I lived closer, so I could go see the quilts! Such beautiful ones! Imagine all the time the ladies (and maybe men) used to finish them, they seem to be hand quilted most of them... Wow, stunning!
Wish you a great and creative weekend,
Laila
Posted by: Laila Kristin Skauge | April 01, 2011 at 10:39 AM
Man, I'm inspired. What about Toulouse (did I spell that correctly) in red & white? Looking forward to more pics.
BTW, is this dog related to Rosie?
(Kleenex is required)
http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/dog-welcomes-mom-back-from-afghanistan/20wzk112?q=Homecoming+soldier&rel=msn&from=en-us_msnhp&form=msnrll>1=42010
Posted by: Auntie Pami | April 01, 2011 at 01:55 PM
Thanks for the links! So jealous! App is downloading right now>
Posted by: Kathy DB | April 02, 2011 at 03:00 PM
Carrie
Without a doubt the best showing and best photos of the exhibit. Wonderful job. So worthwhile for people to find this show as it travels and witness it for themselves. Will it ever be as good as it was at the Armory - I doubt it. Was a grand time.
Polly
Posted by: Polly | April 04, 2011 at 05:55 AM
Impressive blog! -Arron
Posted by: rc helicopter | December 21, 2011 at 04:54 AM