The Mountaineer

April 8, 2025

An innovative exhibit that reimagines the traditional quilt will debut at the Haywood County Arts Council Haywood Handmade Gallery in Waynesville with an opening reception from 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 11.

“Quilted Expressions: A Celebration of Block-Based Art” will be on display through the month of April. This unique showcase challenges conventional ideas of quilting and expands the definition of what a quilt can be.

“This show is an exploration of pattern, form and storytelling,” said Tonya Harwood, executive director of HCAC. “Quilting has long been a symbol of community, craftsmanship, and creativity. This exhibit honors that tradition while pushing boundaries in exciting new ways.”

Artists working in all mediums were invited to create pieces inspired by the structure and tradition of quilts, with each artwork limited to a maximum size of 12×12 inches. From textiles and mixed media to painting and sculpture, the exhibit highlights the beauty of block-based design across various artistic disciplines.

Glass artists John and Lisa Townsend were among the artists who took on the challenge.

“When choosing the glass for our pieces, we selected highly textured glass that looks like quilted fabric,” Townsend said.

Despite the range of artistic interpretations, the exhibit’s central theme pays homage to the age-old craft of quilting.

“Quilting is not for the impatient. It is labor intensive, but worth every minute. There are set patterns and designs in a quilt, but not every quilt has to follow them. Your only limitation in design is your imagination,” said fiber artist Laura Jo Thompson.

“Quilted Expressions” is part of HCAC’s ongoing mission to celebrate artistic innovation and support emerging and established artists. The Haywood Handmade Gallery, run entirely by dedicated volunteers, is a cornerstone of Waynesville’s growing arts scene.