The International Quilt Study Center and Museum will launch a new lecture series with a presentation from acclaimed quiltmaker and author Joe Cunningham.
Cunningham will share insights into his quilting career, several of his quilts and a few songs at 2 p.m. Feb. 5 at the International Quilt Study Center and Museum. This free event, which is open to people of all ages, marks the inaugural Mary Ghormley Memorial Lecture.
“Joe Cunningham’s creativity, passion for quiltmaking and unique artistic vision make him the perfect speaker to premiere our new lecture series,” said Leslie Levy, Ardis and Robert James executive director of International Quilt Study Center and Museum. “Mary and Joe shared midwestern roots, a love for telling the story and quiltmaking. Bringing Joe to Quilt House is a great way to honor Mary Ghormley’s legacy.”
Joe began making quilts professionally in 1979 after 10 years as a musician. He has also written 11 books about quilts, including “Men and the Art of Quiltmaking,” and has been featured on various TV shows. His engaging lecture will also include live musical performances and viewings of his work.
While at the International Quilt Study Center and Museum, Cunningham will also lead a workshop 9 a.m. to 4p.m. Feb. 4 at the museum. In the Creative Design workshop, Cunningham will demonstrate and teach how to develop a small idea into an abstract quilt. Students will develop their own designs with each quilt.
The workshop costs $100 for the general public or $85 for museum members. Click here for more information about the workshop and to become a member.
Mary Ghormley was a passionate quilter, teacher and collector, who promoted quiltmaking and identification in our state. The series was made possible by the generous support of her family in her honor. After debuting in 2017 at the museum, it will travel to other locations across Nebraska beginning in 2018.
The series also kicks off a year of programming to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the gift of nearly 1,000 quilts from collectors Ardis and Robert James, which established the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2017.
“We are forever grateful for the James family’s generosity and the gift that started this international journey for the university,” Levy said.
