Light in the Darkness 2024

Thank you so much for inviting me to jury the AQUA Light in the Darkness exhibition. It’s such a privilege to have an opportunity to look closely at each work of art and to share some ideas and insights with each artist. Thanks to the AQUA team for all their work preparing the images and coordinating the exhibition for the Mancuso Philadelphia show. I am thrilled that show attendees will get to see such a varied and inspiring collection of art quilts!

I loved the variety of interpretations of the theme including personal stories, metaphysical occurrences, and inspirations from nature. The variety of materials and techniques used by each of the artists is also impressive. I love that AQUA encourages innovation as seen in the use of unexpected shapes, embellishments and subject matter. I am drawn to art work that is both personal and universal. Many of the art quilts in this collection are clearly inspired by the artists’ unique experiences, but also create space for viewers to envision their own stories and ideas within the designs. I commend all the artists for following through with their vision and creating an original piece of art using fabric, paint and stitch.

Jurors Recognition

#1: Confusion, Accepting (Ruth Greene)

#2: Midnight (Sharon Braunagel)

#3: Northern Lights in the Darkness (Suzanne Woodward)

#4: Lakota Prophecy (Marla Ferguson-Leake)

#5: A New Day (Sharon Braunagel)