Regarding Museums and Quilts

Hmm, I have two mind sets here.  Quilts are wonderful items that have a
link to everyday American life.  From Amish quilts, to slave quilts, to
Aunt Edna's in the bedroom, they can convey times and feelings of
American life.  I have seen quilts displayed quite well in some museums,
the Pioneer Women Museum in Ponca City Oklahoma for instance.  Usually I
have thought of them as more historic than items for art museums.  I
also once read a piece on how quilts allowed a professional African
American women reconnect with her family, and the artistry and stories
of her grandmothers quilts, so I do think they are important cultural
items.

With that said, I agree with having quilts displayed in art museums,
but with the caveat that the purpose of the exhibition makes all the
difference.  I fail to see how a urinal displayed on the wall, or a cow
sliced and separated can be art, while a quilt is a craft.  Not all art
is Monets and Morans, nor are all simple items crafts.  Though I hardly
would call a quilt simple.

My in a nut shell answer is then, Quilts are part of the American
cultural (and world I suppose) mosaic, and can convey rich themes that
relate to many people.  While I am familiar with them in the historic
sense, I can also appreciate them as an art form.  If an exhibit is
presented that celebrates the art of quilts, draws visitors that might
not otherwise visit an art exhibit, than I am all for it.  If a quilt
exhibit is thrown together because it is cheap and will suck money from
visitors pockets, than that fails in the purpose of a museum, and
probably will fail as an exhibit.

My humble opinion, not that of my employers, etc. etc.

Richard A. Fields
Mine Interpretive Supervisor
Soudan Underground Mine State Park
P.O. Box 335
Soudan, MN 55782
(218) 753-2245/ Fax 2246

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/parks_and_recreation/state_parks/soudan_underground_mine/index.html

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