eastern ontario quilt documentation
project
We all have a dream...and dreams fuel reality. In my case, the dream is to see that all of the amazingly loved and valued quilts that are stashed in cupboards, chests and closets all across our Eastern Ontario landscape are brought out to be enjoyed, photographed and that oral and written histories are taken for future generations to see, read and cherish. I have been working for the past three years to develop a plan for the launch of the Eastern Ontario Quilt Documentation Project. This project will begin in the fall of 2006 with the introductory phase which includes visits to local and distant Quilt Guilds for information sharing and to schedule Quilt Documentation Days in communities, initially along Lake Ontario from Prince Edward County to the St. Lawrence River and on to the Quebec Border. Teams of interested quilters from Guilds and groups along the way will be drafted to help in this effort, as the job is too large to be done by one person - and the experience of being involved in the planned Quilt Documentation Days will be a huge opportunity to learn more about our Heritage Quilts of Ontario.
The project will be funded by donations from committed individuals, Corporate Partners and Quilt Shoppes who may be interested in scheduling as a sponsor of the Documentation days. As part of this introduction, I have developed a Lecture which may be scheduled for Guild Programs which includes a small Trunk Show. Information about the project can be distributed at these lecture meetings. The Lecture is also appropriate for Shoppes or Church Women’s Groups, Library Associations, University and Employee Associations etc. which are looking to help preserve valued Women’s Art History in Ontario. Proceeds from Lecture Fees will be directed in their entirety to the Eastern Ontario Quilt Documentation Project Development budget!
During this one hour lecture, Quilt Guilds or interested Community Groups will learn about the EOQD Project launch scheduled for fall 2006. Heritage Quilts located with residents and museum Collections in local communities all along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, north to Ottawa and east to Quebec will be explored during the projected three year project. Quilt Guild members acting as project assistants in their community will organize Documentation Days where they will be trained to recognize the patterns, attributes and value of older quilts. As the focus of the project is quilts made or located in homes/museums in Ontario pre-1950, your Guild’s assistance in gathering the quilts from local residents through word of mouth and printed advertising, networking and Guild Newsletters is vital to finding and being able to document the quilts as a part of Ontario’s vast quilt history. The data base of quilt photographs, histories and location/owner information will be maintained in Kingston, ON at Queen’s University with access available widely to interested quilt history enthusiasts. Histories will be invaluable to Study/Research students all across Canada and around the world. Canada’s wealth of beautiful Heritage Quilts is such an inspiration, and the voices behind the quilts call us to be aware of their history, the value of maintaining and caring for the quilts and the opportunities to share the quilts with the generations that will follow.
The lecture/visit will be accompanied by a sampling of up to 20 Ontario Heritage Quilts. All proceeds from the lecture fee will be directed into the Ontario Quilt Documentation Project budget. We hope YOUR Guild or group will become involved and support this first Eastern Ontario Quilt research study project. Please contact me for further information.
To arrange a visit to your Guild, contact Bethany Garner, EOQD Project Coordinator.
