04/ 01, 2008	Contact:	Patricia Cosgrove, Museum Director
For Immediate Release		(253) 288-7437

CRAZY QUILTS AT WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM

AUBURN, Wash. – The White River Valley Museum celebrates the Victorian tradition of crazy quilting with a series of events, including the exhibit “Crazy Quilts: Puzzle Patches and Fanciful Embroidery” that opens May 7 and runs until Aug. 13.

“Crazy Quilts” features a collection of nearly 50 quilts, garments and other items made with the crazy quilting method, most dating from 1880 to 1920. The exhibit is organized by guest curator, quilter and storyteller Anita Sheneberger who spent more than four months traveling the back roads of Western Washington to acquire this rare collection of quilts. Regular museum admission for the exhibit is $2 adults, $1 children and seniors.

“I have two passions in my life besides my family and faith, and they are fabric and story. Quilts fit so naturally into these two obsessions,” Sheneberger said.

Quilting is a centuries-old practice of sewing old and leftover pieces of wool and other fabric together to create functional items like blankets, shirts and dresses. This technique was especially used by women during the Colonial era to stretch resources. Over time, quilting evolved from a necessity into a social art form.

Traditional quilting typically uses like-sized patches of fabric to create a uniform pattern. In 1880, crazy quilting started to gain popularity. This new technique created beautiful and seemingly random “crazy” patterns using various sizes and shapes of materials, with nearly every seam and patch adorned with embroidery.

As quilts transitioned from functional to decorative pieces, materials like silk and velvet were incorporated. Crazy quilts celebrated and documented life occasions with stitched birth announcements, wedding dates and even death dates.

The crazy quilt phenomenon remained popular until about 1920. Today, many intact quilts and garments from the crazy quilt era are considered historical artifacts worth thousands of dollars.

For more information about exhibits and events, contact the White River Valley Museum at 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Unless otherwise noted, events are free with regular museum admission of $2 adults, $1 children and seniors.

Quilt Presentation and Consultation, May 10, 1 – 3 p.m.
Guest curator, quilter and storyteller Anita Sheneberger will give a lively presentation about the craft of quilting. Questions and quilt samples are welcome.

Quilt Restoration and Preservation, June 14, 1 – 3 p.m.
This tutorial on quilt care includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum’s quilt collection and storage techniques.

Film Screening of “A Century of Quilts: America in Cloth,” July 12, noon and 2 p.m.
This documentary celebrates the art of quilting by featuring selections from the best 100 American quilts of the 20th century, the stories behind their creation and the quilters as they work.

Crazy Quilts Family Day, Aug. 2, noon – 4 p.m.
Join the White River Valley Museum for quilt-making crafts, demonstrations, stories and games. Fun for families of all ages.

ABOUT THE WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM
The White River Valley Museum is a partnership with the City of Auburn and combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors. Museum collections focus on local Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railroad.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and is located at 918 H St. SE in Auburn. Regular hours are noon – 4 p.m. Admission is free on Wednesdays. Call 253-288-7433 for event information.