Currency Exchange International Quilt Exhibit
A collaboration of 90 fiber artists from the United States, Japan, and New Zealand, this exhibit of art quilts has been on a world tour since 2006. The main exhibit organizers, Sue Cutsogeorge of Eugene,
Oregon and Izumi Takamori of Tokyo, Japan, see this project as a way to promote international friendship and understanding among quilters of different countries and cultures. The 30 American artists represented in the show are comprised mainly of Willamette Valley artists, including members of the art quilt group "Tactile Expressions," who exhibit throughout the region on a regular basis. The "Currency Exchange" theme of this show challenged the participating fiber artists to develop a small quilt based on a motif
from a coin or bill from any country in the world. The idea was not to replicate or copy the entire coin or bill, but to use that motif as an inspiration for design a unique piece of art. Each of the 90 quilts on display is 20 inches square, and packed with vibrant colors and textures. The quilters represent various levels of fiber arts
experience and various styles of work, and the overall result is a brilliant symphony of talent. Laura Jennings, a quilter from Eugene whose work is on display in the Currency Exchange exhibit, will give a talk about art quilts on Friday, May 9, at noon. Admission is free—bring your lunch!
