Myriad of color, tone, and sizes brighten Springville quilt show

They stitch together pieces of fabric of myriad shapes and sizes, myriad colors and tones, in myriad designs.

They stitch together myriad memories, artistry, patience, inspiration, love.

They call them quilts.

And if you look closely at the quilts in the 38th Annual Quilt Show at the Springville Museum of Art, you will find you can't look at the first set of patterns without seeing the second set.

"I'm always blown away by the talent of our quilters," says Jessica Weiss, assistant curator of education at the museum. "It's such a fun surprise every year to see what they have been up to."

This year's show features 103 quilts, "in every style, size, technique. There are traditional patterns and modern designs. There really is a nice variety."

The exhibition fills all the galleries on the main floor of the museum and includes three other mini exhibits. One is an invited collection of miniature ABC Quilts, in which master quilters each interpreted a different letter of the alphabet. "It is fun to see how communities of quilters come together to collaborate in different ways," says Weiss. "This is such a fun, creative collection" and, she added, would be a great way to introduce children to the art of quilting.

Another small exhibit features ceramic purses and shoes made by Lacey Kay. "Her sculptured accessories are a perfect complement for the quilts," says Weiss. Another small show features gourds that have been decorated in various ways by Mary Beth Hogue.

Co-sponsored by the Utah Valley Quilt Guild and Corn Wagon Quilt Company, the annual quilt show is always a favorite at the museum, says Weiss. "It appeals to quilters of all levels and inspires creativity." The public is invited to vote on favorites for a People's Choice Award; voting closes on Aug. 23. And people who make a donation to the museum have a chance to take home this year's Opportunity Quilt.

The museum takes great care to hang the quilts in the perfect lighting so that vibrant colors and patterns stand out, says Weiss; the show is truly a feast for the eyes — and the mind.

While traditional patterns and patchwork still hold an honored place in the quilting repertoire, quilters are also exploring, trying new techniques, creating original designs.