Photograph courtesy of Don Scanlin

Written by Ann Scanlin

A group of Ojai women gathered six years ago to make a quilt to donate to a local non-profit. It was so much fun that they decided to create a quilt every year. The Ojai valley Museum is the grateful recipient of their 2011 textile artistry and is being offered as the ONLY item in the museum’s Annual Fall Raffle. This fundraiser supports the museum’s programs and exhibits.

This year the theme of the quilt is “Wildflowers of California” which features twelve, hand embroidered and appliquéd wildflowers. Many of the featured blooms grow right here in Ojai: Matilija poppy, California poppy, sunflower, morning glory and the thistle. The finished size of the quilt is 52”w x 65”h, perfect as a wall hanging or a bed coverlet. The estimated value is $2,500. The overall quilt design is an adaptation from “Wildflowers” by Pearl P. Pereira, P3 Designs, San Marcos, CA.

Early in 2011 this group of textile artists - Heidi DiCapua, Judy Hooper, Glenda King, Susan Leech, Sheryl McArthur, Ann Scanlin and Jane Weirick met to decide on this year’s design. Upon deciding the size and theme of the new project, two or three of the group volunteered to shop for the batik fabric in the appropriate colors. At the next meeting each quilter selected a design block to complete and the fabrics to use in her appliqué and the fun began. Many convivial hours were spent appliquéing and embroidering. After months of concentration and the blocks were complete, the group assembled their blocks in the overall quilt design. The blocks were ultimately sewn together with a border which was appliquéd and embroidered with the California poppy design. The batting was placed on the back of the quilt and finished with a backing fabric and a finishing edge. The textile was then machine quilted by Dee Angus, a master quilter who donates her time to add the “piece de resistance”. This process, from start to finish, took about nine months and approximately 200 collective hours of sewing.

The quilt will be on display from October 26 until November 9 at Rains Department Store, and from November 10 through November 23 at Ojai Community Bank. Brochures and return envelopes will be at each location for purchasing tickets. The quilt will go back to the Museum over the Thanksgiving holiday and through early December when the winner will be announced. Tickets for the quilt drawing are $10.00 per ticket or 3 for $25.00. The winner need not be present.

The Ojai Valley Museum, established in 1967, is generously supported in part by Museum Members, Private Donors, Business Sponsors and Underwriters, the Smith-Hobson Foundation, Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, City of Ojai, and the Rotary Club of Ojai.

The museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA. Admission: free for current 2011 members, adults - $4.00, students - 18 and under - $1.00, children 6–18 - $1.00 and children 5 and under – free. Gallery Hours are Tuesday – Friday, 1 to 4 pm; Saturday, 10 to 4 pm; Sunday, noon to 4 pm. Tours are available by appointment.

For more information, call the museum at (805) 640-1390, ext. 203, e-mail ojaimuseum@sbcglobal.net or visit the museum website at http://www.ojaivalleymuseum.org/