Narrative Threads Connect Cape Quilt Exhibits

From history to modern fabric arts, quilts and fabric experts weave history on Cape Cod.

“There is still that stigma, although it has come a very long way … But now there are some forerunners on the field. We use the term fiber art now. And there are some great organizations and big shows around the country and its just very prestigious to be accepted. So, it's growing."

– Judy Gaynes Sebastian

Fiber Artist

What is showing on Cape Cod?

Two unrelated quilt exhibits share different worlds connected by threads. In Orleans quilts reflect of history, while in Eastham fabric arts deliver a creative visual show. Together they weave a story of past and present expression using a format that dates back to ancient times.

What is fiber art?

Quilting, an ancient sewing technique of attaching at least three layers of fabric, has both a history and an active present and future. Artists in Eastham represent the future, showing a category of work called fiber art, a term used to describe works make with textiles. Judy Gaynes Sebastian is one of 18 fiber artists in the collective Fiber Artists of Cape Cod, and one of 13 members exhibiting her art at the Eastham Museum in November. She said quilting is a very popular form of expression, but has struggled to be accepted as a modern artform. The descriptive phase fiber art more accurately defines the medium, she explained.

How are quilts an important part of history?

At the Orleans exhibit, the focus lies on quilts in history with a wide range of quilts from the ages. Textile conservator Elaine Lipton said the oldest piece of quilt - dating back to 200 BC - was found in a cave in Mongolia. Soldiers in the American civil war were sent off with quilts to keep them warm, something they had in common with the crusaders who wore quilts under their armor for protection and warmth, she adds. She said sewing has historically been women's work and therefore was often seen as useful, but not valuable despite the obvious artistry in the work.

What are the two exhibits?

The Fiber Artists of Cape Cod Exhibit in Eastham Library showcases quilted abstract and realistic artwork. Exhibiting artists Judy Gaynes Sebastian said that although the pieces in display represent skilled work, anyone can take up quilting as a form of expresion even if they have never sewed before. Some of the quilts at the show at The Centers for Culture and History in Orleans date back almost 200 years.

For more information:

The quilt show at CHO in Orleans

The quilting guild on Cape Cod