Waseca Art Center features special needs artwork and the Stitchers in Time

A display titled “Quilts Across America” featuring work by the local sewing group Stitchers in Time shared the limelight with a second display showing artwork created by local individuals with disabilities during an Oct. 17 gallery opening at the Waseca Art Center (WAC). The Waseca Area Foundation facilitated the second display by supporting it with a grant.

 

WAC President Mikhail Rostislavovich shared some comments as the opening reception began, saying,   “We are especially pleased to showcase the artistic talents of individuals with special needs. Their work offers us an opportunity to appreciate the creativity and unique perspectives of artists whose contributions deserve to be seen and celebrated.”

 

For the Beckman Gallery, Rostislavovich continued, “Our second exhibition, Quilts Across America, features the remarkable talents of the Stitchers in Time. I have always found quilting to be a particularly fascinating art form. It combines mathematics, geometry, color, patience and imagination. Unlike many forms of art, a quilt often has a very practical purpose. It can keep us warm, commemorate a special occasion, honor someone we love, or become a treasured family heirloom.”

 

To help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Stitchers in Time challenged its members to create patriotic wall hangings. Purple Mountain Majesty by Beverly Emery for example, or Lady Liberty by Deb Rysavy Lien. Rostislavovich added, “Some of the quilts also demonstrate how this craft can become an act of generosity and service. Beverly Emery’s America Strong will be donated to Quilts of Valor, while Lynn Gorski’s Turkey Hunt will be given to a veteran participating in a special hunt at Fort Ripley.”

 

One quilting fan insisted on a photo in front of Star Quilt, sewn by Mary Emerson and she said, “This is the first quilt I ever made through a ‘block of the month’ activity. Through that I learned to make the following stars: morning, shooting, combination, hidden, folded, Ohio, Amish, pointed star variation, snowball, army, royal and Christmas star. It isn’t perfect but after all these years, it’s my favorite.” The Prismatic Portal by Deb Rysavy Lien was another interesting quilt because it featured what looked like a galactic wormhole or portal.

 

Christy Easton, WAC Director of Education and Planning said, “The WAC has been expanding classes to include free sessions to local special needs groups since fall 2024. Through a generous grant from the Waseca Area Foundation and enthusiastic participation from members of these groups, the WAC can now curate this exhibit showcasing their remarkable talents.” 

 

Unfortunately the exhibit does not show all the artwork because many art pieces have been brought home to share with family and friends.   

 

Featured in the Harguth Gallery representing ICAN were Jolene Root, Angela Ulman, Mickenzie Mendez, Katrina Davison, Josh Gertz, Josiah Owino, Joy Gottschalk, Maggie Gahler, Jay Boyce. Representing Lifeworks were Jacob Voracek, Samantha Seifert, Jared Dalton, Nate Klecker, Tim Krebsbach, Alex Lamont, Gavin Brewer, Georgia Weber, Dale Templin, Michelle Goodrich, and Rachel Jahnke. Representing MRCI were Christopher Diem and Mary Kay Foley.

 

After the opening remarks, guests were invited to mingle and greet the artists. Refreshments were also served in the Tea Room.