Perez Zeledón Quilt Show

In Sunday, April 8, 2018 more than two hundred visitors attended the first ever Perez Zeledón Quilt Exhibition. Sixteen passionate multinational PZ competitors, from beginner level to seasoned professionals, exhibited over 70 quilt pieces in the Best Western Hotel Zima Salon which was transformed into a bilingual art gallery. On display were traditional pieced and appliqued quilts, bed coverlets, table runners, and hand crafted clothing. Most striking for those new to current trends in the world of quilting were the many stunning art quilts. There were evocative tropical landscapes, photo realistic portraits of people, animals, and colorful contemporary abstracts.

Featured at the entrance was “Pickin Berries” by Cathy Carrolan Mata, a quilt selected to represent Costa Rica at the prestigious Houston International Quilt Festival 2013, in an exhibit which then traveled the USA for 2 years. This piece captures the tradition of Costa Rican coffee picking by hand, reflected in images of three generations of coffee pickers. It reflects the dichotomy of traditional coffee picking alongside images of current technology. Hidden within the work are many iconic animals and insects of Costa Rica.

Visitors came from as far as San Jose and San Vito. The artists proudly mingled in the crowd, answering questions about their inspirations, techniques and accepting compliments from the gathering. Delighted artists and attendees all expressed hope that this will become an annual event. The goal was to bring awareness of the local talented quilters/artists and to provide inspiration to community.

Now what is actually quilting? It is the process of sewing two or more layers of fabric together to make a thicker padded material, usually to create a quilted garment. Typically, this procedure is done with three layers: the top fabric or quilt top, batting or insulating material and backing material.

By Cathy Carrolan Mata

INFO: Facebook Perez Zeledon Quilt Show / Cathy Carrolan Mata elticomata@yahoo.com

Posted in Activities, Art & Culture, Pérez Zeledón, Uvita and tagged , , , , , .