February 1 – 23, 2014
Santa Paula Society of the Arts Gallery
Santa Paula Depot, 963 Santa Barbara St., Santa Paula, CA
Gallery Hours: Sat-Sun. Noon – 4 PM
Admission: Free

The Santa Paula Society of the Arts has welcomed the Heritage Valley Quilt Festival to share space in their gallery during the month of February. The quilts on exhibit are homage to the quilt made in 1863 by Jane A. Stickle, a Vermont farm wife. The originality of the her quilt’s construction, with over 220 unique blocks, and the fact that Jane labeled the quilt as being made “In War Time…1863…Pieces 5602…Jane A. Stickle”, have combined to make the quilt a national treasure. The Jane Stickle quilt is on display at the Bennington Museum in Vermont during the months of September and October each year.

In 1991 Brenda Manges Papadakis, a quilting teacher, became entranced by the original “Mother” quilt, drafting the patterns from the quilt and teaching classes based on these patterns. Her students made quilts that Brenda called “Baby Janes”. Quilters around the world have embraced the challenge of making their interpretations based on these patterns.

Two of the quilts in the exhibit at the Depot Gallery reflect the original design of the “Mother” quilt, while the others on display show some of the variations possible with the patterns. Four of these quilts were made in a class taught by Julie Gardner from Oxnard at Quilt Ventura over a two year period. It is fascinating to see the variety of fabrics and layouts that have come together for this exhibit.

There will be a closing reception, Sunday, February 23, 2014 from 2 to 4 PM. For more information, contact Linda Wilkinson, 805-525-2774, frog4mom@aol.com.